China experienced its hottest month in recorded modern history this July, according to Chinese state media, reflecting the record high temperatures seen globally last month.
The average temperature in China last month was 23.21 degrees Celsius (73.78 degrees Fahrenheit), surpassing the previous record of 23.17 degrees Celsius set in July 2017, as reported by the national television broadcaster on Thursday. This marks the highest monthly average since comprehensive data collection began in 1961.
On July 22, the world recorded its hottest day ever, with the global average surface air temperature reaching 17.15 degrees Celsius.
What makes this year’s record heat unusual is the absence of the El Niño climate pattern, which typically amplifies global temperatures with warmer-than-usual waters in the Eastern Pacific. El Niño ended in April, yet temperatures have remained elevated, highlighting the growing impact of climate change in raising global temperatures, according to some scientists.
In July, all of China’s provinces recorded higher average temperatures compared to the same month in previous years. The provinces of Guizhou and Yunnan experienced the highest temperatures, followed by Hunan, Jiangxi, and Zhejiang, as reported by China Central Television (CCTV).
As of August 1, temperatures remained high in the Yangtze River delta. Cities such as Shanghai, Nanjing, Hangzhou, and other provincial capitals are forecasted to endure high temperatures for the next seven days. Hangzhou may experience record-breaking temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius, according to CCTV.
Global warming has intensified and made weather events in China more unpredictable. The world’s second-largest economy has faced some of the heaviest rainfall in recent history, resulting in floods and landslides.
This year’s flood season in China has seen 25 significant floods in major rivers, the highest number since record-keeping began in 1998, the Ministry of Water Resources reported on Thursday.
