record-breaking heatwave – A prolonged heatwave is expected to sweep through parts of Northwest China for the next 10 days, with temperatures in some areas forecast to reach as high as 44 C. Authorities warn the hottest period will run from Friday to Wednesday, urge residents to monitor
On Thursday afternoon. stations in the Turpan Basin in Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region recorded 46.2 C—an early glimpse of what is coming next. Over the following 10 days. large swaths of China are expected to endure prolonged. potentially record-breaking heat. according to the National Meteorological Center.
The forecast points to the most intense stretch between Friday and Wednesday. In parts of northwestern China, daily highs could reach 41 C to 44 C, coming close to or exceeding historical records. The heat is not expected to be short-lived. Across much of northwestern China, it is projected to persist for six to nine days.
Weather monitoring data already showed the scale of the problem taking shape. Several locations in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region and the Inner Mongolia autonomous region topped 40 C, setting the tone for what meteorological authorities now say will last.
Elsewhere, the heat is expected to arrive in rounds rather than one continuous blast. Southern parts of North China and the Huanghuai region—covering areas around the Yellow River and the Huaihe River—are expected to face two periods of intense heat: from Thursday to Saturday. and again from July 9 to 11. In some areas, maximum temperatures could rise to 39 C to 41 C.
Eastern parts of the Yangtze River Delta are on a slower heating schedule. Through July 10, daily highs are forecast generally between 35 C and 38 C.
The National Meteorological Center also predicted four major heat waves during July, along with more days with temperatures of at least 35 C across eastern and central China than is typical for this time of year.
Huang Zhuo. deputy director of the National Meteorological Center. urged residents to keep a close eye on heat alerts and take steps to reduce health risks. He advised people to stay hydrated. use air conditioning or other cooling measures to keep indoor temperatures comfortable. wear lightweight clothing. and avoid strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day.
If people begin to feel unwell—especially dizziness or heart palpitations—Huang said they should cool themselves immediately with cold water or ice. He added that medical attention should be sought if symptoms worsen.
The message from forecasters is clear: this is not just uncomfortable weather. It is a multi-day strain on bodies and routines. with the worst conditions expected to hit most intensely from Friday through Wednesday in northwestern areas. and then flare again in parts of North China and the Huanghuai region around the July 9–11 window.
China heatwave record-breaking heat National Meteorological Center Xinjiang Inner Mongolia Turpan Basin Huanghuai region Yangtze River Delta heat alerts