China Battles Widespread Heat Wave as Authorities Protect Livelihoods

Persistent high temperatures and oppressive humidity continue to grip multiple regions across China, from the Northeast to the Jiangnan area south of the Yangtze River, as authorities implement measures to safeguard people’s livelihoods amid the extreme heat. The Central Meteorological Observatory has issued an orange rainstorm warning and a blue strong convection warning as the heat wave enters its most intense phase.

A Heat Wave Driven by an Anomalous Subtropical High

Meteorologists attribute the widespread scorching conditions to an unusually positioned subtropical high pressure system that has shifted significantly northward, centered over the Korean Peninsula rather than its typical position over the Jianghuai region. According to China Weather Network, the subtropical high has merged with the continental high pressure over Northeast China, forming a massive warm air mass that has brought “sauna-like” conditions to much of the country’s eastern half.

Sun Qianqian, a meteorological analyst at China Weather Network, explained that the subtropical high circulation is directly controlling the Jiangsu-Zhejiang-Shanghai region through the eastern North China Plain to parts of Liaoning, connecting with the continental high over the Northeast to create a vast warm air mass. The combination of high temperatures and high humidity from monsoon moisture transport has made conditions feel even more oppressive than the thermometer suggests.

Record-Breaking Heat in Unexpected Places

The heat has been particularly notable in Northeast China, where such extreme temperatures are historically rare. On the night of July 29, Liaoning’s Panshan recorded a minimum temperature of 27.7°C, breaking the local observation record, while Changchun in Jilin recorded 26.6°C, breaking the late-July nighttime record. Chongqing recorded a minimum temperature of 31.5°C, ranking first among national meteorological stations, according to China Daily.

Shenyang is experiencing particularly unusual conditions, with high temperatures expected every day for the next four days and nighttime lows of 25-26°C. From 1961 to 2025, Shenyang averaged less than one high-temperature day per year, making this heat wave highly anomalous. Hangzhou has endured 18 consecutive days of high temperatures since July 14, with temperatures reaching 38.7°C on July 30, tying the 2026 record, as reported by Hangzhou News. Chongqing has experienced 25 consecutive days above 35°C since July 5, including seven consecutive days above 40°C—a record for the same period in the past decade.

Workers on the Frontlines of the Heat

From railway stations to airports to urban communities, workers are battling the heat to keep cities running. Xinhua reported that station attendants, aircraft maintenance crews, power grid workers, and delivery drivers are all facing extreme conditions as they maintain essential services.

At Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport, aircraft maintenance release officer Zheng Yongbao works on tarmac surfaces reaching 58.8°C, with wheel temperatures hitting 94.6°C and air conditioning outlets at 126°C. “The aircraft turnaround time is only 20-30 minutes, so we can’t wait for it to cool down before inspecting,” he told Xinhua.

Power grid workers in Zhengzhou and Qingdao are performing live-line maintenance during early morning and evening windows to avoid disrupting residential power. “The electricity load is rising faster than expected. Behind every kilowatt-hour is a production line, a factory, a household,” said a State Grid official in Zhengzhou. Meanwhile, couriers in Chongqing are handling 100-120 parcels daily in temperatures that have exceeded 40°C for seven consecutive days.

Protecting Agriculture and Public Health

The heat is also affecting crops, particularly mid-season rice in the booting and heading stage and summer corn in the tasseling and silking stage. According to CCTV, water-saving irrigation technologies are being promoted, including mobile water-fertilizer integration equipment covering 100,000 mu (about 6,667 hectares) of summer corn in Wucheng County, Shandong. Experts recommend small frequent irrigation in early morning or evening rather than midday flooding, and “day irrigation with night drainage” for rice paddies.

China CDC experts have issued guidance for outdoor workers and vulnerable populations, recommending monitoring heat health risk warnings, adjusting outdoor work schedules, and consuming salt and mineral-containing foods and drinks. “Cool Rest Stations” have been established in cities like Chongqing for outdoor workers.

Typhoon “White Dolphin” Offers Potential Relief

Typhoon No. 13 “White Dolphin” (白海豚), which formed on July 27, has weakened from super typhoon to strong typhoon strength as of August 3. The storm is expected to absorb some moisture from the region, potentially reducing rainfall intensity from August 4, with its outer circulation expected to reach Chinese waters from August 6. However, meteorologists caution that the typhoon’s path after entering the East China Sea remains uncertain, and August typhoons “are often not to be taken lightly,” according to Ye Chun, Chief Service Officer at Hangzhou Meteorological Bureau.

What to Watch For

As the heat wave continues, authorities remain focused on protecting vulnerable populations and maintaining essential services. The approach of Typhoon “White Dolphin” could bring relief to some areas, but also carries risks of severe weather. With the subtropical high showing no immediate signs of weakening, residents across affected regions are advised to continue taking precautions against heat-related illness and to monitor official weather warnings closely.