La Nina casts SW China in cold spell

Nanning (CNS) -- Nanning, the capital of Guangxi, had only 15.7 hours of sunshine from January 1 to March 12, which is no more than 14 minutes a day. The condition is thought to be part of the La Nina effect.

The numbers reset the region's historic low for sunshine, the Guangxi meteorological administration revealed on Sunday.

La Nina, as opposed to El Nino, results from abnormally cold seawater in the central and eastern parts of the Pacific Ocean.

Local experience is that in the following January to March after a La Nina effect occurs, Guangxi usually suffers from low temperatures. Fortunately signs are that the seawater in the central and east Pacific is gradually warming up, which should put an end to Guangxi's misery by late spring.

The cold, rainy and gloomy weather has severely affected local agriculture and public life, a local agricultural official observed.

The regional health department also reported a rise in the number of flu cases, which is evidently bigger than last year.

In the half month ahead, the regional temperature is expected to be 0.1 to one degree lower year on year. Showers will be common in most parts of the region except the west and coastal parts. The northern sector is likely to suffer a three-day cold spell later in the spring during late March.