Rare warm weather has hit Beijing since early January, usually the coldest month in the Chinese capital.
January 4 was the warmest day in 50 years, with a daily maximum temperature of 14.3 Celsius degrees, according to Guo Hu, vice-chief of the Beijing meteorological station.
Thursday's 12.2 Celsius degree and Friday's 10 Celsius Degree maximum temperature are both unusual highs in history.
The warm weather has seen women return to wearing skirts over thick trousers, while traces of new green have returned to the yellow lawns.
The lack of cold air in north China is believed to be behind the welcome shift in temperature in Beijing, Guo said.
Meanwhile, doctors have warned citizens to take precautions against the flu that has recently spread through Beijing.
The warm weather could also have an adverse effect on the winter wheat crop, though it will be good for greenhouse vegetables, agricultural experts said.
Meteorologists have forecast that the pleasant temperatures may begin to fade on Saturday.
(People's Daily January 12, 2002)
