In a significant development, the Dongjiang River in the Pearl River Basin of south China has flooded for the first time in 2024, according to the Ministry of Water Resources.
Heavy rainfall has triggered water flows at a hydrological station in Huizhou, Guangdong Province, to rise to 7,000 cubic meters per second by 8:55 p.m. on Sunday, surpassing the ministry’s flood standard.
In response, the ministry has activated a Level-IV emergency flood control response in the province. China operates a four-tier flood-control system, with Level I indicating the most severe conditions.
The local meteorological observatory forecasts severe convective weather in Guangzhou from Sunday to Monday, influenced by high-altitude air pressure variations and southerly airflow. Heavy rains are expected primarily in the afternoon, with Guangzhou continuing to face severe convective weather on Tuesday, bringing more heavy rain and potential flooding.
Since the beginning of the year, China has experienced 13 severe convective weather events, also known as severe or extreme storms. Sun Shao, a senior researcher at the Chinese Academy of Meteorological Sciences, explained to Global Times that the increasing frequency and intensity of these extreme weather events may be linked to global temperature rises.
Sun highlighted that climate change affects the Earth's climate system by increasing atmospheric water vapor content. Warmer climates lead to more surface and ocean evaporation, raising water vapor levels and promoting severe convective weather. Additionally, climate change can alter air circulation patterns, intensifying cyclone and front development, and fueling extreme weather events.
Reference(s):
Dongjiang River in south China floods for first time in 2024
cgtn.com
