An early heatwave has gripped northern China since Sunday and will continue through Thursday. Temperatures in Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, and other northern regions exceeded 30°C on Sunday. Some places recorded temperatures above 35°C. Consequently, this early heatwave results from a strong high-pressure system that brings sinking warm air. Clear skies and strong sunshine allow the ground to heat up quickly. Cities like Hohhot, Xi’an, and Nanjing could see highs reaching 33°C to 34°C from Monday to Wednesday.
This early heatwave will intensify further across regions north of the middle and lower Yangtze River. Ma Jun, director of the Institute of Public and Environmental Affairs, explained the mechanism. A high-pressure system brings sinking air that becomes warmer and drier as it moves downward. The unusually early arrival of this early heatwave also links to global warming. Ma noted that early-summer high-temperature days have been arriving increasingly earlier in recent years.
Meanwhile, southern China faces a very different weather pattern starting Monday. Strong warm and moist air will bring heavy to torrential rain to parts of central and southern Jiangnan. Northern South China will also see significant rainfall from Tuesday to Wednesday. Some areas may experience extremely heavy downpours during this period. Therefore, while the early heatwave bakes the north, the south will endure severe convective weather. Thunderstorms, strong winds, and hail are likely across Jiangnan, South China, eastern Guizhou, and southern Hubei.
This early heatwave also raises environmental concerns for northern cities. Rising temperatures and strong sunshine can lead to higher ozone levels. Photochemical smog may develop, especially from afternoon to early evening. Ma suggested avoiding outdoor exercise during those peak hours. He recommended engaging in physical activities in the morning or evening instead. The south’s typical humid heat usually becomes more noticeable in July. Temperatures there will likely surpass those in the north later in the summer.
Looking ahead, the early heatwave will persist through Thursday before easing slightly. Residents in affected areas should take precautions against heatstroke. Northerners should limit sun exposure during midday hours. Southerners must prepare for potential flooding from the heavy rains. The China Meteorological Administration continues monitoring both weather systems closely. For now, the north swelters under the early heatwave while the south waits for the next downpour.
