Temps going south in northern Japan : National : DAILY YOMIURI ONLINE (The Daily Yomiuri)

Record-low temperatures have chilled many parts of Japan this winter, driving up vegetable prices and blocking transportation routes, while boosting sales of air conditioners for heating--and ice cream.

In early January, the average temperature in the north dropped to a 28-year low.

The mercury in the Utanobori district in Esashi, northern Hokkaido, fell to minus 30 C or lower for four straight days from Tuesday. In Sapporo, the daily temperature was stuck below 0 C for 11 days since Jan. 1, the first time this has happened in 36 years.

Record Low Tied in Long Beach Amid Cold Temps Across Southern California | NBC Southern California

As forecasters said temperatures could drop to freezing in downtown Los Angeles overnight Saturday, a preliminary record low was recorded at Long Beach Airport Saturday.

It was 36 degrees in at the airport, tying a record set in 1966, according to the National Weather Service.

Steeped in snow, Vancouver Island’s Mount Washington offers tons of family skiing - Travel - The Boston Globe

What also sets the ski resort apart is the staggering amount of snow it receives. The mountain has averaged 53 feet of snow a year over the past three years and, as of Christmas, had a 15-foot snow base. It plays leapfrog with Mount Baker in neighboring Washington state for having the deepest snow pack of any ski resort on the planet.

Incinerated U. of Utah bus a reminder to dig out hydrants | The Salt Lake Tribune

Hydrants buried in snow delayed firefighters who put out a bus fire on Saturday, leaving the University of Utah shuttle a complete loss.