Heavy Rain and Heatwaves Grip China as Extreme Weather Hits

China is enduring a convergence of extreme weather events, with persistent heavy rainfall inundating southern provinces, frequent thunderstorms lashing the north and northeast, and a record-challenging heatwave scorching the southwest. The Central Meteorological Observatory issued a Yellow Heavy Rain Warning on Tuesday, valid from 14:00 July 21 to 14:00 July 22, as authorities maintain emergency response measures across multiple regions.

Persistent Rainfall Threatens Flood-Prone South

Southern China continues to experience torrential downpours, with some areas forecast to receive 100 to 180 millimeters of rain within 24 hours. Affected regions include Guangxi, Guangdong, Hunan, Jiangxi, Anhui, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai, according to Xinhua News. The National Meteorological Center’s warning covers a vast swath of the country, from Inner Mongolia in the north to Tibet in the west, with the heaviest rainfall concentrated in the south.

Special concern centers on Guangxi, where the ground remains saturated from catastrophic flooding earlier this month. Typhoon Maysak, the 10th typhoon of the season, brought extreme rainfall to the region in early July, causing the Liulan Reservoir in Hengzhou to breach on July 6. The State Flood Control Headquarters upgraded the emergency response to Level II for Guangxi at that time, and as of July 20, the Ministry of Water Resources maintained a Level-IV emergency flood response for the region, China.org.cn reported.

“Special attention is needed for Guangxi, where previous rainfall has already been very intense,” CCTV News warned on July 19. “With this round of heavy rain叠加, the risk of disaster further increases.”

Government relief efforts are already underway. The National Development and Reform Commission allocated 100 million yuan (approximately $14.7 million) for post-disaster emergency restoration in Guangxi, focusing on damaged infrastructure including roads, water conservancy facilities, schools, and hospitals, Xinhua English reported. A total of 1,372 personnel from the China National Comprehensive Fire and Rescue Team, along with 270 vehicles and 140 boats, have been deployed to the affected areas.

Thunderstorms Sweep North and Northeast

Northern China, including Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei, along with northeastern regions, are experiencing frequent thunderstorms with potential for severe convective weather including hail, lightning, and strong winds. The Central Meteorological Observatory’s warning covers Inner Mongolia, Heilongjiang, Hebei, Shanxi, and Henan, where localized heavy downpours and gale-force winds are expected.

Meteorologists are advising residents in these regions to monitor local warning information closely and take precautions against the impact of severe convective weather on outdoor activities and transportation.

Chongqing Heatwave Threatens July Record

While rain drenches much of the country, Chongqing is enduring an extreme heatwave that threatens to break the city’s July record for consecutive high-temperature days. As of July 21, the southwestern metropolis has recorded 16 consecutive days of temperatures at or above 35°C, with forecasts indicating this could extend to 20 days or more.

“Chongqing will experience six consecutive days of scorching heat at 37°C or above from the 20th to the 25th, with a maximum of 40°C,” CCTV reported. “Chongqing’s high temperatures started on July 5, and if they continue until the 25th, it will break the local record for the longest consecutive high-temperature days in July.”

The heatwave is not confined to Chongqing. Turpan in Xinjiang has recorded temperatures exceeding 40°C, while Chengdu and Urumqi have both seen temperatures above 38°C. According to the National Meteorological Center, Xinjiang and Sichuan Basin temperatures may break historical records for July.

What’s Next: A Shift from Rain to Scorching Heat

Weather patterns are expected to shift significantly after July 23, when the traditional “Great Heat” (大暑) solar term begins — historically the hottest period of the year in China. The subtropical high-pressure system will strengthen, bringing widespread heat to Jiangnan, South China, and the middle-lower Yangtze River regions. Cities including Hangzhou, Shanghai, Changsha, and Nanchang are forecast to enter consecutive high-temperature mode with high humidity, creating what meteorologists describe as “sauna weather.”

The simultaneous occurrence of extreme rainfall and extreme heatwaves across different regions of China is consistent with climate change projections, which predict more frequent and intense extreme weather events. With flood recovery efforts still ongoing in Guangxi and a major heatwave expansion on the horizon, China’s emergency response systems face continued pressure in the weeks ahead.