Extreme cold snap hits Siberia

Workers in Russia's remote Siberia region make repairs to this heating facility in the midst of an extreme cold snap.

Frost, fog and temperatures hovering between -40 and -50 degrees Celsius have made life difficult for residents of eastern Siberia.

The severe weather has also prompted schools in the affected area to close down for the time being.

But for some, the wintry weather is no reason to hide away at home.

Instead these shop keepers stay warm by drinking tea and taking walks.

The abnormally cold temperatures are being caused by the weather effect known as the Asian anticyclone that typically hits Russia and parts of Asia.