A relentless heatwave has gripped northern China, with ground temperatures in some areas soaring past a scorching 70 degrees Celsius (158 degrees Fahrenheit) on May 20. Cities in Shanxi Province witnessed unprecedented heat, as Yongji City recorded a ground temperature of 71.1°C, while Pingyao City reached 70.3°C. In the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, the surface temperature at Tongxin Railway Station climbed to an astonishing 70.1°C.
Yongji’s ground temperature peaked at 71.5°C in the afternoon, setting a new local record for May and marking the second-highest temperature ever recorded there—surpassed only by the 71.9°C recorded on June 13, 2022.
Experts attribute the extreme heat to clear skies and minimal cloud cover over Henan and Hebei provinces, which have intensified solar radiation. This effect has significantly increased daytime heat absorption, accelerating the rise in ground temperatures. Additionally, the region’s location on the eastern foothills of the Taihang Mountains contributes to the heat, as descending air currents further elevate temperatures.
Meteorological drought conditions have been reported across northern regions. In key wheat-producing areas such as Hebei, Henan, Shanxi, and Shaanxi, hot and dry winds are expected to persist for another two to four days. This period is critical for wheat development, and local farmers are being advised to use micro-spray irrigation systems to cool and moisten their crops, mitigating the impact of the harsh winds.
Relief is on the horizon, however, as a shift in weather patterns is forecast to begin on May 22. The arrival of cold air is expected to bring temperatures down across northern China. Further declines are anticipated on May 23, with some regions experiencing drops exceeding 15 degrees Celsius.
Wang Chenghai, a professor at the College of Atmospheric Sciences at Lanzhou University, remarked that global warming is becoming increasingly severe. “The global average temperature is very likely to continue rising over the next decade,” he said. “The frequency and intensity of extreme weather events will change—heatwaves in summer are expected to become more frequent and intense, while cold snaps in winter may occur less often but with greater severity.”
Authorities are advising the public to stay indoors during peak heat hours and to stay hydrated, even if not feeling thirsty. Avoiding unnecessary outdoor activities and staying away from overheated environments are key to preventing heatstroke.
