China is currently facing extreme weather conditions, with severe drought and record temperatures impacting the country. The north is experiencing scorching temperatures and dry conditions, while the south is inundated with heavy rains, leading to concerns about food security in the world’s second-largest economy.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, the drought and heat have negatively affected the planting season in some northern and central provinces, with temperatures expected to exceed 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit) in the coming days. An emergency alert has been issued for at least seven provinces, including key agricultural regions like Henan and Shandong.
In Henan, which is China’s top wheat producing region, rainfall in May was significantly lower than usual, with a provincial official stating that it was 70% below the yearly average. Meanwhile, parts of the country are experiencing a major heatwave, with several regional weather stations breaking records for the highest temperatures ever recorded in mid-June.
On the other hand, southern regions, known for rice cultivation, have been dealing with weeks of heavy rainfall. The Ministry of Agriculture noted a significant increase in rainfall in these areas, making recommendations to mitigate damage to early rice crops.
The China Meteorological Administration reported heavy rainfall in various regions, including major manufacturing centers like Zhejiang, Fujian, Jiangxi, and Hunan. The State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters issued an emergency response to address both the flooding in the south and the drought in the north, warning of potential flash floods and geologic hazards.
The extreme weather events in China have been attributed to a seasonal monsoon pattern, leading to intense showers over short periods. The country is working to safeguard its agriculture and food production amidst these challenging conditions.
