As July kicks off, China is experiencing a dramatic split in weather conditions. In the north and west, torrential rains are causing severe floods and increasing the risk of landslides and other geological disasters. Meanwhile, the south and east are sweltering under relentless heat, with temperatures soaring above 35 degrees Celsius.
Since mid-June, southwest China’s Guizhou Province has been battered by heavy rainfall, leading to widespread flooding. Now, the rain belt is expanding toward the eastern part of northwest China, the North China Plain, and the northeast, according to the China Meteorological Administration.
Starting Tuesday, the rain is expected to intensify and spread northward and westward under the influence of a strengthening subtropical high-pressure system. Regions across northwest, central, and southwest China should brace for heavy to torrential downpours, with some areas facing extreme rainfall and strong storms. Authorities are warning of potential landslides, urban flooding, and rising river levels, especially in mountainous and river-adjacent areas.
While the north contends with flooding, cities along the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River are facing a different kind of challenge. Places like Shanghai, Nanjing, and Wuhan are set to become heat hotspots, with nighttime temperatures in some cities staying around 30 degrees Celsius. Major cities including Nanjing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Nanchang, and Fuzhou are forecasted to endure seven consecutive days of high temperatures at or above 35 degrees Celsius starting today. On July 5, Hangzhou’s maximum temperature may reach a scorching 41 degrees Celsius, potentially breaking the city’s record for the earliest 40-degree Celsius day.
This stark contrast in weather highlights the diverse climate challenges China faces during the summer months. Residents are advised to stay updated with the latest weather reports and take necessary precautions to stay safe during these extreme conditions.
