Central China’s Henan Province, home to millions, is sweltering under its hottest July since 1961. A relentless heat wave has gripped the region, pushing temperatures to extreme levels, according to local meteorological authorities.
Since early July, Henan has experienced an average of nearly 11 days of high temperatures—defined as days reaching 35 degrees Celsius or more—almost eight days more than usual for this time of year. Seven weather stations have reported their longest-ever streaks of such scorching days in July.
On average, the province’s temperatures this month are soaring 3.8 degrees Celsius above historical norms. Between July 13 and 16, daily highs climbed to 40 degrees Celsius or more in 131 counties and districts.
Meteorologists attribute this extreme heat to a subtropical high-pressure system that traps heat and brings hot, dry weather.
Relief might be on the horizon. Starting July 21, the heat wave is expected to ease, with widespread rainfall forecasted across the province.
In response to the scorching conditions, the State Grid Henan Electric Power Company has boosted its efforts to ensure stable power supply. “We have strengthened our on-duty staffing, deploying 2,742 maintenance vehicles, 197 medium- and low-voltage emergency power trucks, and 754 backup generators,” said a company official.
Meanwhile, China’s national observatory renewed a yellow alert on Friday, warning of high temperatures in several regions. Parts of southwest China’s Chongqing Municipality, Sichuan Province, and the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in the northwest are expected to see temperatures exceed 40 degrees Celsius.
China uses a four-tier weather warning system, with red representing the most severe warning, followed by orange, yellow, and blue.
