China Faces Prolonged Heatwave Threatening Crop Yields

Summary:
China’s weather bureau has issued a warning about a prolonged heatwave expected in July, which may adversely affect the production of rice and cotton in the eastern, central, and southern regions of the country. The China Meteorological Administration (CMA) predicts that temperatures will be above normal across most areas, marking a second consecutive summer of extreme heat. This could lead to a reduction in crop yields, particularly for cotton and rice. Regions such as Zhejiang, Jiangxi, Hunan, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Gansu, and Ningxia are anticipated to experience temperatures 1 to 2 degrees Celsius higher than average.
The CMA highlights that climate change is causing hotter and longer heatwaves, along with more frequent and unpredictable heavy rain. Record-breaking temperatures have already impacted key grain-producing provinces, delaying corn planting and flooding soybean and rice fields. Globally, extreme weather is affecting crop development in countries like China, Russia, India, and the United States, resulting in reduced farmland productivity and increased food prices.
The CMA’s annual climate report projects that maximum temperatures in China could rise by 1.7 to 2.8 degrees Celsius within the next 30 years, with eastern China and Xinjiang expected to be the hardest hit. Additionally, the weather bureau forecasts that two typhoons may make landfall in mainland China in July, potentially exacerbating the situation.