Heavy Rain Hits Southern China as North Braces for Heatwave

Southern China’s Guangxi and Yunnan regions are experiencing persistent heavy rainfall on June 26-27, while northern parts of the country are preparing for a developing heatwave that is expected to affect nearly ten provinces over the weekend, according to CCTV News.

The dual weather event highlights the sharp contrast between the rainy south and the rapidly warming north as China enters the peak of its summer season.

Persistent Rainfall in the South

The main rain belt is currently positioned across Yunnan through northern South China, bringing moderate to heavy rain to a wide area. On June 26, regions including most of Yunnan, eastern Guangxi, much of Guangdong, southern Jiangxi, most of Fujian, Taiwan Island, and parts of central-southern Chongqing are forecast to receive significant precipitation. Some areas in central-southern Yunnan, eastern Guangxi, and coastal Guangdong may experience heavy rainstorms or extreme rainstorms.

The Central Meteorological Observatory (NMC) lifted its blue rainstorm warning at 06:00 on June 26, noting that the scope and intensity of heavy rainfall had decreased. However, localized heavy rain continues, with some areas in Fujian and Taiwan expected to receive 100-200mm of precipitation.

On June 27, the rain will shift somewhat, with southern Guangxi, central-southern Guangdong, southern Fujian, Taiwan, western Sichuan Plateau, and southern Yunnan seeing continued moderate to heavy rain.

Geological Hazard Risk Remains

Authorities have warned that despite the weakening rainfall, the risk of secondary disasters remains elevated. Due to recent persistent heavy rainfall, soil moisture in Guangxi and Guizhou is near saturation levels. As CCTV News reported, geological disasters have a lagging effect, and monitoring of water conditions, rainfall, and hazards must continue to prevent mountain floods, landslides, and mudslides.

Rain Belt to Shift Northward

Starting June 28, the southern rain belt is expected to shift northward, bringing increased rainfall to northern Jiangnan (south of the Yangtze River), eastern Jianghan, and the Jianghuai region. This shift is driven by the movement of the subtropical high pressure system and will bring much-needed moisture to agricultural areas in these regions.

Northern China Heatwave Develops

While the south contends with rain, northern China is facing a rapidly intensifying heatwave driven by a warm high-pressure ridge moving across Northwest, North China, and the Huanghuai region. According to China Weather Network, the heatwave will affect nearly ten provinces including Xinjiang, Shaanxi, Hebei, Henan, Shandong, and Tianjin.

Meteorological analyst Lin Nan of China Weather Network noted that while the heatwave has no obvious extremity, its coverage will be broad from June 27 to 29. “Except for the Turpan Basin in Xinjiang, other high-temperature areas will feel hot during the day, but minimum temperatures are mostly below 25°C, making mornings and evenings generally comfortable,” Lin said.

Temperature Extremes Expected

Turpan in Xinjiang could reach a staggering 46°C on July 1, potentially setting a new high for the year. Handan in Hebei Province is expected to see high temperatures almost daily for six consecutive days. Several major cities, including Tianjin, Jinan, and Urumqi, are expected to record their first official high-temperature days (≥35°C) of 2026.

This comes after an unusually cool June in northern China, where an active cold vortex brought frequent showers and thunderstorms, keeping temperatures below normal in North China and the Huanghuai region.

Temperature Fluctuations Across Regions

In South China, temperatures have dropped to around 30°C during rainy days but remain muggy due to high humidity, with minimum temperatures hovering around 26°C. After the rain belt shifts north, high temperatures will return, with Fuzhou forecast to reach 36°C by July 1.

In North China, weekend highs could reach 35°C, with Shijiazhuang potentially hitting that mark on Saturday. After June 28, increased rainfall is expected to reduce high temperatures, though conditions will remain muggy with highs around 30-33°C.

Broader Climate Context

The National Climate Center’s 2026 main flood season forecast indicates that temperatures are expected to be higher than normal, with a wide range, long duration, and extremity of high-temperature events. June in China marks the transition between spring and summer, characterized by the “Dragon Boat Rain” season in the south and the Meiyu (plum rain) season affecting the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River.

What to Watch For

Looking ahead, the northern heatwave is expected to temporarily subside from June 30 to July 2 before strengthening again from July 3 onward. The public is advised to avoid outdoor activities during peak heat hours (10:00-16:00) and take precautions against heatstroke, while southern regions should remain vigilant for potential geological disasters despite the easing rainfall.