A weather phenomenon known as the North Atlantic Oscillation is one possible reason that Europe is presently in a deep freeze.
Premier Wen Jiabao has visited the northwestern Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, which has been hit by the worst snowfall in six decades. Wen Jiabao promised to take effective measures to help people through the difficult period.
As a result of the cold snap, Europe is being forced to battle gas and power shortages.
Britain´s Meteorological Office has issued a severe weather warning, as more thick snow blankets much of the UK.
A number of Eurostar services have been put on hold, after yet another train breakdown.