Heat wave peaks in northern and central China

Temperatures in areas of northern and central China will likely reach record highs this week. Highs of around 38 degrees Celsius are expected in many regions, with some provinces potentially reaching 44 degrees Celsius.

The lack of rainfall in northern China this year has prompted concern over agricultural production, with both cultivated land and sown crops likely to suffer. China’s Ministry of Agriculture has sent work groups out to provinces, and the Water Resources Ministry has also launched emergency responses. Some estimates suggest that the heatwave will impact 30-40% of corn and soybean growing regions in China.

Last summer, similar conditions plagued the region, and as the El Niño effect continues alongside global warming, these arid conditions are likely here long-term. Crops that are grown primarily in southern China may need to be grown further north, but this would intensify pest problems. The heatwave’s resulting reduction in produce should be expected to put significant pressure on some of China’s main import sources for food, including Brazil, Argentina, and Australia. It is likely that China will rely even more heavily on these countries as it attempts to diversify away from the US as an import source amidst geopolitical tensions.