CCTV9英语新闻：寒潮笼罩着内蒙古（在线收听）

A strong polar front has gripped north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region causing temperatures to drop to minus 46 degrees celsius. Experts are advising residents against any unnecessary outdoor activity.

The photo taken on Jan. 3, 2014 shows the snow covered street in Yakeshi City of Hulunbuir, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Jan. 9, 2014. (Source: China.org.cn)

The coldest days this winter.

Genhe city in Inner Mongolia was surrounded by thick icy fog on Sunday with visibility less than 50 meters. The main street was literally deserted.

"It’s so cold, I think I’m stiff. It’s really unbearable." Resident said.

"I’ve only been out for five minutes. But my hat, mask and even my eyes are all covered with frost."  Resident said.

The local meteorological bureau has said the minimum temperature on Sunday may be as low as minus 45.9 degrees Celsius with the highest at minus 31 degrees. The extreme cold extends across the region. On Friday, the temperature in Hulun Buir stayed below minus 46.1 degrees Celsius. Over in the northern tip of Inner Mongolia, temperatures in the past week have been hovering around minus 40 degrees Celsius, making life difficult for residents.

"On Saturday, temperatures in Longshan township in the city dropped to minus 46 degrees Celsius. The forecast says that temperatures may drop even further in the coming three days." Xu Yanyan, weather forecaster of Genhe Meteriological Station, said.

Elderly residents with pre-existing medical conditions have been advised to be careful in the extreme cold.

Photo taken on Jan. 11, 2014 shows a Vendor in Yakeshi City of Hulunbuir, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Affected by a cold front, the temperature in Hulunbuir plummeted to minus 40 degrees centigrade on Saturday. (Xinhua)