China Activates Level 4 Response as Heavy Rain Hits South

The China Meteorological Administration (CMA) has activated a Level 4 emergency response for heavy rain as a tropical depression barrels through South China, bringing torrential downpours and prompting widespread disaster preparedness measures across multiple provinces.

The tropical depression, which formed in the northern South China Sea on August 19, made landfall on the coast of Longlou Town in Wenchang City, Hainan Province, at approximately 5:40 a.m. on August 20, according to reports from the Central Meteorological Observatory. Maximum winds at landfall reached Force 6 (12 m/s) with a minimum central pressure of 997 hPa. The system is expected to move into the Beibu Gulf by the afternoon or evening of August 20.

Emergency Response Activated

The CMA activated its Level 4 emergency response for major meteorological disasters (heavy rain) on August 19 following a comprehensive assessment and emergency consultation, as reported by Guangzhou Daily. The agency directed provincial meteorological bureaus in Fujian, Guangdong, Hainan, Zhejiang and other regions to activate corresponding emergency responses based on local conditions.

“All units should strictly follow the meteorological disaster emergency response workflow to carry out various tasks, prevent secondary disasters caused by heavy rainfall, and report important situations to the China Meteorological Administration in a timely manner,” the CMA announced.

The National Meteorological Center issued a blue rainstorm warning at 6:00 p.m. on August 19, valid from 8:00 p.m. August 19 to 8:00 p.m. August 20. Heavy rain of 50-100 mm is expected across Hainan Island, southeastern Guangxi, southwestern Guangdong, eastern Fujian, Taiwan Island, southeastern Zhejiang, and parts of Inner Mongolia, Heilongjiang, Henan, Shandong, Chongqing, Hubei, Hunan, Tibet, Yunnan, and Guizhou. Very heavy rain of 100-230 mm is forecast for western Hainan Island and parts of Taiwan.

Widespread Rainfall Expected

The tropical depression is part of a broader weather pattern affecting much of China. As Xinhua News reported, heavy rain is expected across South China over the coming days as the monsoon trough and tropical systems become increasingly active.

Guangdong Province is expected to see significant rainfall from August 20-24. According to the Guangdong Meteorological Observatory, the main heavy rainfall area will initially be in the southern cities and counties of Guangdong from August 20-21. From August 22-24, as the tropical disturbance develops and convergence zone cloud masses move northward, most of the province is expected to see heavy to torrential rain, with locally extremely heavy rain.

Meteorologists have warned that a “train effect” could develop due to abundant moisture and terrain uplift effects, potentially causing rainfall in the coastal areas of Guangdong, Guangxi, and Hainan Island to exceed initial forecasts. CCTV News noted that this phenomenon occurs when successive rain cells pass over the same area, leading to rainfall totals far exceeding expectations.

Maritime Safety Measures

The Guangdong Maritime Safety Administration has activated a Level 4 tropical cyclone emergency response. Ferry services at Xuwen Port and Hai’an New Port in Zhanjiang were suspended from 4:00 p.m. on August 20, with resumption dependent on weather conditions. The “Six 100%” typhoon prevention measures were implemented for sea areas west of Zhuhai (including Zhuhai) before 10:00 p.m. on August 19.

In Guangzhou, the weather bureau forecasts that August 20 will bring high temperatures accompanied by thunderstorms, with a sustained precipitation event beginning August 21. As Guangzhou Daily reported, the weekend is expected to be “soaked” again, with weather not improving until mid-next week.

Active Typhoon Season

The 2026 typhoon season has been unusually active, with the number of typhoons formed already significantly exceeding the long-term annual average. The 18th typhoon of the year, named Saudel, formed in the northwestern Pacific on August 19 but is expected to have no impact on China’s seas for the next five days.

Beyond the tropical depression that made landfall in Hainan, two additional tropical disturbances are developing — one in the South China Sea (95W) and another east of Taiwan (94W). The South China Sea disturbance could potentially linger near the South China coast for an extended period, extending the period of heavy rainfall.

Looking Ahead

Authorities are urging residents in coastal areas of South China to remain vigilant and monitor the latest weather forecasts. The risk of secondary disasters such as flash floods, mudslides, and landslides remains elevated, particularly in mountainous and low-lying areas. With the tropical depression expected to move into the Beibu Gulf and additional disturbances developing, the region faces an extended period of unsettled weather through late August.