In recent days, a sudden cold spell has swept across northern China, apparently signaling that winter has arrived early. Meteorological experts also predict that China will have a colder winter this year overall.

According to Ding Yihui, an academician with the Chinese Academy of Engineering and a special adviser to China Meteorological Administration, La Niña plays an important role in the early arrival of winter. Statistics from the National Climate Center show that the equatorial Eastern Central Pacific Ocean has been under the influence of La Niña since August. In China, winter temperatures are usually below average in years that are influenced by La Niña.

"Temperatures will likely be lower than average in northern China, especially in December. In southern China, the colder periods will be in January and February," explained Ding.

As a result of La Niña and chillier winter temperatures, Ding predicts that electricity and transport will be impacted because more energy will be consumed, and rain and ice will influence road conditions. The natural ecosystem, which is used to a warmer climate, will also be affected to some extent.

Zheng Fei, a researcher with the Institute of Atmospheric Physics under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, said that years under the influence of La Niña often see more frequent northern winds, which are conducive to the dispersal of air pollutants. Therefore, the silver lining of a colder winter could be reduced smog over the next few months.