Major Chinese cities have issued recommendations for high temperature as a thermometer in Beijing today it is expected to be over 36 degrees Celsius, while the entire China prepares for another year of record temperatures that could threaten energy supplies, crops and a fragile economy.

Since March, China has already experienced heatwaves in various parts of China. Yunnan province recently recorded temperatures in excess of 40 degrees Celsius, putting strain on the power grid as millions of homes began turning on air conditioners.

Over the past two days, Shandong Province and Beijing have issued heat warnings. Cities with large populations such as Jinan, Tianjin and Chengdu are expected to hit 37 degrees Celsius.

New temperature records are coming

The China Meteorological Agency has warned regions to brace for more extreme heat this year. There are already sporadic heatwaves ahead of the summer season, which is also of particular concern to the agricultural sector.

Crop damage could push up food prices, worsen inflation and put pressure on China’s economy as the country tries to recover from a three-year no-spread policy for Covid-19 that has stalled growth.

Southwest China’s southwest province of Yunnan, known for its mild weather, received just 35mm of rain in the year to April 20, the state surveillance service recently reported. Precipitation in the provincial capital, Kunming, was less than 8mm, the lowest since records began.

Weather experts constantly blame recent severe weather on climate change. The latest assessment from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) also predicts a high likelihood of El Niño returning later this year.

“The development of El Niño is likely to further increase global temperatures and increase the likelihood of record temperatures,” said WMO Secretary-General Petri Taalas.

^{Source: APE-MEB, Reuters}