Record-breaking heatwave engulfed China during the summer of 2025
In the sweltering summer of 2025, China experienced its hottest summer on record, as reported by the China Meteorological Authority (CMA). The nation's temperatures soared, with Shanghai sweltering through 27 days of temperatures hotter than 35°C in August, the most since record keeping began.
The extreme heatwaves were driven by global warming, a phenomenon caused by the burning of fossil fuels. This results in increased water vapour in the air and higher evaporation rates in oceans. Warmer air can hold more water vapour, leading to more intense downpours and storms.
The regions in China that experienced the highest summer temperatures were primarily the Xinjiang province, where heat peaks of 47.1 °C and 44.8 °C were recorded due to a severe heatwave at the beginning of June. Other areas, like Beijing and Shanghai, saw highs around 38 to 43 °C, influenced by regional climatic variations, including dry northern conditions and humid southeastern monsoon effects, as well as rising global ocean temperatures contributing to overall warming.
The national average temperature from June to August reached 22.31 degrees Celsius, the highest since records began in 1961. This mirrored similar trends seen in other parts of the world, with the United Kingdom (UK), Japan, and South Korea also reporting record heat this summer.
The extreme heat in China has led to health risks. Authorities warned of heat-related health risks across large swathes of eastern China in July. Tragically, at least 44 people in Beijing's rural suburbs lost their lives due to heavy rain and subsequent floods and mudslides. Elsewhere, at least 9 people died in a flash flood in Inner Mongolia, a normally arid region.
Despite these challenges, China has emerged as a global leader in renewable energy in recent years. The country has pledged to bring its emissions to a peak by the end of this decade and to achieve net zero emissions by 2060. This commitment is a positive step towards mitigating the effects of global warming and preventing such extreme weather events from becoming the norm.
As the world grapples with the consequences of human-induced climate change, it is crucial that nations continue to work together to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to renewable energy sources. The record-breaking heatwaves in China serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for action.
