China Heatwave Peaks as Southern Rain Brings Relief and Flood Risk
A severe heatwave sweeping across China has reached its peak intensity on June 2, expanding to its widest coverage area of the recent period and affecting more than ten provinces, while a new round of rainfall is moving into southern regions, according to Xinhua News. The dual extreme weather events are creating significant challenges for public health, agriculture, and infrastructure across the country.
Record-Breaking May Temperatures
The heatwave follows an unusually hot May across much of China. Shanghai and Jilin recorded their highest average May temperatures on record, while Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Heilongjiang recorded their third highest. Major cities including Fuzhou, Nanning, Guangzhou, Shijiazhuang, Harbin, Beijing, Xi’an, Changsha, and Nanchang all experienced high temperatures, with many locations seeing an early start to the high-temperature season.
From May 28 to June 1, a “southern steam, northern bake” pattern took hold across the country. Southern China experienced humid, oppressive heat, while northern regions saw dry, intense heat under clear skies. Harbin recorded its third May high temperature since 1961, and ten national meteorological stations in Liaoning and Heilongjiang broke local May high temperature records.
Peak Heatwave Conditions
On June 2, the heatwave’s coverage expanded to its maximum extent, affecting regions including Northwest China, North China, Huanghuai, Jiangnan, and South China. Central and southern Hebei, northern Henan, and northwestern Shandong are forecast to reach 37–39°C. Shijiazhuang is expected to hit 38°C, which would be a new high for the year, as CCTV News reported.
In the far west, Xinjiang issued an orange high-temperature alert on June 2, with some areas forecast to reach 45°C or above, according to the Xinjiang Meteorological Service.
Southern China is experiencing a different kind of heat — humid and muggy. Haikou is forecast to have four consecutive days of high temperatures this week. Although maximum temperatures in the south are lower than in the north, the high humidity makes the perceived temperature much higher, posing greater risks of heatstroke.
Southern Rainfall Arrives
As the heatwave peaks, a new round of precipitation is moving into southern China. Heavy rain or torrential rain is expected in western Hunan, southeastern Chongqing, northeastern and southwestern Guizhou, and northwestern Guangxi on June 2. The rainfall is expected to continue through June 3, with heavy to torrential rain in parts of Anhui, Jiangxi, Zhejiang, Hunan, Guizhou, and Guangxi.
Meanwhile, strong convective weather continues in Northeast China and Inner Mongolia on June 2–3, with thunderstorms, gales, and hail expected.
Forecast and Relief Ahead
The National Climate Center had accurately predicted this heatwave event on May 29. Deputy Director Gao Rong warned that June would see high temperatures mainly in most of North China, northern East China, north-central Central China, northeastern Southwest China, northern and southeastern Northwest China, western Inner Mongolia, and northern Xinjiang, with a particularly high risk of periodic heatwaves from central-southern North China to Huanghuai, as Xinhua reported.
Relief is on the horizon. Starting June 3, cold air and rain will significantly reduce high temperatures in the north. By the weekend, only parts of South China and the Turpan Basin in Xinjiang will still have high temperatures. The temperature swings will be dramatic: Taiyuan is expected to drop from 35°C to 21°C, and Shijiazhuang from 38°C to 20°C between June 2 and June 6.
Agricultural and Health Concerns
The contrasting weather patterns pose dual challenges for agriculture. Northern regions face drought risks that could affect summer crop growth, while southern regions face flood risks from concentrated rainfall. Gao Rong specifically warned that meteorological drought may emerge or develop in southern North China, northern East China, and north-central Central China, recommending strengthened water source management and preparation for drought resistance.
Health authorities have advised the public to avoid outdoor activities during peak afternoon hours, as the combination of dry extreme heat in the north and humid oppressive heat in the south poses serious health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations including the elderly, children, and those with pre-existing health conditions.
Looking Ahead
The record-breaking May temperatures and the early onset of extreme summer heat are consistent with long-term global warming trends. The National Climate Center’s accurate prediction of this heatwave demonstrates improving meteorological capabilities, enabling better preparation and response. As summer unfolds, authorities will be closely monitoring the dual challenges of drought in the north and flood risk in the south, with questions remaining about whether this heatwave signals an exceptionally hot summer ahead.