China Records Hottest Month in Modern History

China experienced its hottest month in observed modern history in July, according to Chinese state media, mirroring the record-breaking hot weather seen around the world last month. Temperatures averaged 23.21 degrees Celsius (73.78 degrees Fahrenheit) in July, surpassing the previous record of 23.17C set in July 2017, as reported by China's national television broadcaster on Thursday. This marks the highest monthly average since the country began compiling comprehensive data in 1961.

On July 22, the world registered its hottest day on record, with the global average surface air temperature reaching 17.15C.

What makes this year's record heat unusual is that, unlike in 2023 and 2016, the El Niño climate pattern, which amplifies global temperatures due to warmer-than-usual waters in the Eastern Pacific, ended in April, but temperatures have not decreased. This suggests the significant influence of climate change in raising global temperatures, according to some scientists.

In July, all of China's provinces experienced higher average temperatures than the same month in previous years. The provinces of Guizhou and Yunnan recorded the highest temperatures, followed by Hunan, Jiangxi, and Zhejiang, according to China Central Television (CCTV).

On August 1, temperatures remained elevated in the Yangtze River delta, with Shanghai, Nanjing, Hangzhou, and other provincial capitals expected to endure high temperatures for the next seven days. Hangzhou may experience record temperatures exceeding 40C, according to CCTV.

Global warming has made weather events in China more intense and unpredictable. The world's second-largest economy has experienced some of the most intense rainfall in recent history, triggering floods and landslides. China has seen 25 significant floods in major rivers during this year's flood season, the highest number since record-keeping began in 1998, the Ministry of Water Resources reported on Thursday.