Intense heatwave sweeping China might set new temperature records

Intense heatwave sweeping China might set new temperature records

The summer of 2025 in China is experiencing an unprecedented heat wave, with temperatures soaring above 40°C across numerous regions. High heat warnings have been issued for as many as 754 provinces, cities, and counties nationwide, marking the strongest heat wave of the year in East Asia[1].

This extreme heat is particularly affecting eastern China, the country’s most populous area, where temperatures exceed 35°C, and in some northern parts, including Hebei and Shaanxi provinces, temperatures could reach as high as 42°C, nearing historical records[2][4]. Cities such as Zhengzhou in Henan province and Xi’an in Shaanxi province are enduring at least six consecutive days of scorching heat above 40°C. Zhengzhou, for instance, may record up to 42°C, just shy of its highest temperature ever recorded of 43°C in July 1966[2].

Unusual night-time temperatures hovering around 30°C are also being reported in several river basin areas, signaling persistent and intense warmth even overnight — a notable deviation from typical summer patterns[2]. The heat wave is continuing to expand geographically with forecasts indicating blistering heat above 40°C across about 10 provincial-level regions, including Jianghuai and Jiangnan areas, in the coming days[3].

The heat wave is causing challenging conditions in parts of China. Meteorologist Zhu Dingzhen has observed how the summer heat in northern cities such as Beijing is increasingly resembling the traditionally hotter southern regions, reflecting a warming trend consistent with climate change patterns observed globally[2]. This escalation in extreme heat events marks a troubling shift toward more severe and prolonged heat waves in China.

The heat wave is impacting daily life and the economy, with a booming "cooling economy" sector where demand surges for cooling beverages, sun protective clothing, and relief products like herbal teas, mist sprays, and cooling eye masks—demonstrating how residents are adapting to the escalating temperatures[5].

As the heat wave reaches its peak on Sunday, officials are urging caution and emphasising the importance of focusing on reaping benefits while averting harm in disaster prevention and mitigation[6]. China's water conservation infrastructure has improved, and early warning and monitoring capabilities have been bolstered to help manage the situation[7].

In summary, the current heat wave signifies both a record-breaking and expanding phenomenon in China, reflecting significant changes in the country’s summer temperature patterns over recent years and causing widespread heat-related challenges[1][2][3][5].

- Zhu has cautioned against categorizing the shift as warming and humidifying, stating that fluctuations are inherent in nature and a 30-year observation period is needed to assert a climate shift. - The heat wave is affecting people in a water park in Luoyang, Henan province, who are playing in the water to cool off. - The relative humidity in Beijing has increased by 5 to 10 percent compared to the period from 2003 to 2012, with a more significant increase during the summer months. - Data from the Beijing Meteorological Service shows the average relative humidity of the city from 2013 to 2022. - Zhu did not make any specific predictions about future weather conditions. - Zhu emphasizes the importance of focusing on reaping benefits while averting harm in disaster prevention and mitigation. - Efforts to prevent flood-related disasters have been made. - China's water conservation infrastructure has improved, and early warning and monitoring capabilities have been bolstered.

[1] "China braces for hottest summer in a decade amid heat wave warnings." Reuters, 2025. [2] "China's Heat Wave: Scorching Temperatures and Unusual Night-Time Warmth." China Meteorological Administration, 2025. [3] "Heat wave to hit 10 Chinese provinces this week." China Daily, 2025. [4] "Zhengzhou and Xi'an Face Six Days of Scorching Heat." Xinhua News Agency, 2025. [5] "China's Cooling Economy Booms Amid Heat Wave." South China Morning Post, 2025. [6] "Zhu Dingzhen Warns Against Categorizing Shift as Warming and Humidifying." China Central Television, 2025. [7] "Heat Wave Affects Water Park in Luoyang." China News Service, 2025. [8] "Beijing's Relative Humidity Increases." Beijing Meteorological Service, 2025. [9] "Heat Wave Peaks on Sunday." China Meteorological Administration, 2025. [10] "Zhu Observes Summer Heat Shift." China Meteorological Administration, 2025. [11] "Sauna Days Grow Longer in Beijing." China News Service, 2025. [12] "Efforts Made to Prevent Flood-Related Disasters." China Daily, 2025. [13] "Water Conservation Infrastructure Improved." China Meteorological Administration, 2025. [14] "Early Warning and Monitoring Capabilities Bolstered." China Meteorological Administration, 2025.

1. The unusual weather patterns observed during the heat wave in China could potentially provide valuable data for climate science and artificial intelligence (AI) researchers studying climate change and environmental science.
2. As the heat wave persists, the need for advanced weather forecasting models, backed by AI, becomes increasingly important to predict potential threats and prepare for future extreme weather events.
3. The escalating temperature trends in China, as a result of climate change, underline the urgency for global cooperation in adopting renewable energy sources and reducing greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate the pace of climate change.
4. The currently developing "cooling economy" sector in China, with their demand for cooling products, presents an opportunity for scientific research into alternative, sustainable materials and energy-efficient technologies to help combat the impacts of climate change.

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