Country feels the heat as temperatures hit record highs

Summer has begun on a scorching note across China with June temperatures hitting an average of 21.1 C, a 0.9 C increase from historical averages for the same period and tying with the peak heat in 2022, which was the highest for this time frame since 1961, said the China Meteorological Administration on Friday.

As of Wednesday, large parts of the nation have been grappling with soaring temperatures. The southern parts of North China, the lower reaches of the Yellow River, the northern part of the Huaihe River basin and the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region have experienced temperatures surpassing average levels by 2 to 4 C.

Notably, Xinjiang registered an average temperature of 25 C in June, a record high for the same period in history, while Sichuan and Shandong provinces saw average temperatures peak at 23.1 C and 26.2 C, respectively, the second highest for this time frame, said Xiao Chan, deputy director of the National Climate Center.

Additionally, 102 meteorological stations nationwide logged daily high temperatures that shattered historical records for June, with 17 of them witnessing temperatures touching or exceeding 40 C, said Xiao.

He added that in June, China experienced average precipitation of 85.8 millimeters, 3.4 percent higher than what is normal for the same period. Three significant heavy rain spells lashed the southern regions throughout the month. Several rivers in the south overflowed, with the Suijiang River upstream experiencing a once-in-a-century major flood in mid-June.

Over the next 10 days, heavy rainfall is expected to shift northward. A particularly intense rainfall event is forecast from Wednesday to Friday, along with thunderstorms.

The meteorological authority has urged the public to be prepared for heavy rainfall-induced floods and risks like mountain torrents, landslides, mudslides and urban flooding.

Dai Kan, deputy director of the National Meteorological Center, said that starting Friday, North China experienced relief from high temperatures due to increased cloud cover and precipitation. However, high temperatures are expected to sustain in some parts of southern China, with daytime highs ranging from 35 to 39 C and exceeding 40 C in some areas.

Dai warned about the increased risk of heat-related illnesses during the upcoming period. Precautions such as heatstroke prevention, cooling measures and staying hydrated are strongly advised.

In July, it is projected that two to three typhoons will affect China, with their intensity expected to be close to the annual average, the meteorological administration said.