As July approaches, the northern regions of the Chinese mainland are gearing up for a month of challenging weather conditions. The China Meteorological Administration (CMA) has issued a warning for increased rainfall and soaring temperatures, urging residents and authorities to prepare for potential natural disasters.
Jia Xiaolong, deputy director of the National Climate Center, announced in a recent press briefing that parts of central and eastern Chinese mainland can expect rainfall levels to be 20-50% higher than usual. Additionally, the formation of one to two typhoons in the South China Sea and northwest Pacific is anticipated, heightening the risk of flooding and landslides, especially in the Yangtze River basin.
The concerns are underscored by May's record-breaking warmth. The national average temperature hit 17.7°C, the highest since records began in 1961, surpassing the long-term average by 1.2°C. This trend is expected to continue, with regions like Jiangsu Province, Anhui Province, and Shanghai predicted to experience temperatures exceeding 35°C this July.
June has already been tumultuous, marked by above-average temperatures and severe weather events. Twenty national meteorological stations reported daily maximum temperatures that reached or exceeded historical highs, while intense rainfall led to significant flooding in vulnerable areas. Concurrently, drought conditions have worsened in parts of northern Chinese mainland, compounding the agricultural challenges.
Farmers are being advised to adopt protective measures for their crops, such as adjusting irrigation schedules and utilizing heat-resistant crop varieties, to mitigate the adverse effects of the extreme weather. The recent Blue Book on Climate Change of China 2024 highlights these ongoing climate shifts, emphasizing the need for increased resilience against global warming-induced extreme weather events.
With the Chinese mainland experiencing unprecedented climatic changes, the upcoming summer months demand heightened vigilance and proactive strategies to safeguard communities and livelihoods against the mounting environmental challenges.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
