China Warns of Intensified Heatwaves and Unpredictable Rainfall Due to Climate Change

China's weather bureau warned on Thursday that the country will face hotter, longer heatwaves and more frequent, unpredictable heavy rainfall as climate change worsens. The world's second-largest economy is gearing up for another extreme summer.

The China Meteorological Administration (CMA) reported in its annual "Blue Book" that temperatures could rise by 1.7-2.8 degrees Celsius over the next 30 years, with eastern China and Xinjiang expected to be most affected. Last year's average national temperatures reached new highs, causing significant glacial retreat and melting permafrost in the northwest.

China, described as one of the most climate-vulnerable nations, is under increasing pressure to adapt to rapidly changing weather patterns and rising sea levels. Yuan Jiashuang, deputy director of the CMA's National Climate Centre, highlighted that extreme heat events could become more frequent, occurring every other year by the end of the century if emissions remain high.

The weather bureau forecasted high temperatures across most of China in the coming months, signaling a second consecutive summer of extreme heat. Record-breaking temperatures and heavy rains have already affected several regions, threatening crops and straining electricity grids.

Summer temperatures in areas including Zhejiang, Jiangxi, Hunan, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Gansu, and Ningxia are expected to be 1 to 2 degrees Celsius above normal. Additionally, two typhoons are expected to make landfall in mainland China in July, moving westward or northwestward.