North China is set to face its initial widespread heat wave of the year in the upcoming days, with temperatures in some regions expected to climb as high as 37 degrees Celsius, as per China’s meteorological authorities. The China Meteorological Administration disclosed that most parts of north China will encounter below-average rainfall over the next 10 days, with temperatures surpassing the seasonal average by 1 to 3 degrees Celsius, and some areas witnessing increases of 4 to 5 degrees Celsius, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Commencing Saturday, regions with temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius will rapidly expand across north China. By May 13, the heat wave is projected to cover a significant portion of Shanxi, Henan, Hebei, Beijing, Tianjin, Shandong, and Jiangsu, marking the first extensive high-temperature occurrence in north China this year.
China’s north-south demarcation is chiefly delineated by the geographical boundary of the Qinling Mountains and the Huaihe River, situated approximately between 32 and 34 degrees north latitude. Beijing’s meteorological authorities indicated that the capital will witness daytime highs around 32 degrees Celsius on May 10, with temperatures anticipated to escalate early next week, ranging from 31 to 34 degrees Celsius during the day before cooling off later in the week.
Notably, during the solar term Lixia, or the Beginning of Summer, which occurred on May 5 this year, summer conditions typically progress northward from regions south of the Yangtze River towards the generally drier and cooler north China. However, this year, north China is expected to warm up more rapidly than regions south of the Yangtze, with parts of the North China Plain potentially entering summer before southern areas.
Meteorological authorities cautioned that the forthcoming heat in north China will be accompanied by dry conditions and intense sunshine. Residents are advised to restrict prolonged outdoor activities during the hottest afternoon hours, stay well-hydrated, and take precautions against abrupt nighttime temperature drops.
