BEIJING – China experienced its hottest month in observed modern history in July, reflecting the record-high temperatures seen globally last month, according to Chinese state media. The average temperature in China for July was 23.21 degrees Celsius, surpassing the previous record of 23.17 degrees Celsius set in July 2017, as reported by China’s national television broadcaster on August 1. This marks the highest monthly average since comprehensive data collection began in 1961.
Globally, the hottest day on record was July 22, with the global average surface air temperature reaching 17.15 degrees Celsius.
The record heat in 2024 is particularly notable because it occurred without the influence of the El Niño climate pattern, which typically raises global temperatures due to warmer-than-usual waters in the Eastern Pacific. El Niño ended in April, yet temperatures have remained high, highlighting the significant impact of climate change in elevating global temperatures, according to some scientists.
Every province in China recorded higher-than-average temperatures for July. The provinces of Guizhou and Yunnan experienced the highest temperatures, followed by Hunan, Jiangxi, and Zhejiang, reported China Central Television (CCTV).
On August 1, temperatures remained high in the Yangtze River delta, with Shanghai, Nanjing, Hangzhou, and other provincial capitals forecasted to endure high temperatures for the next seven days. Hangzhou is expected to experience record-breaking temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius, according to CCTV.
The increased global warming has made weather events in China more intense and unpredictable. The country, which has the world’s second-largest economy, has experienced some of the most intense rainfall in recent history, leading to floods and landslides.
In 2024’s flood season, China witnessed 25 significant floods in major rivers, the highest number since record-keeping began in 1998, the Ministry of Water Resources reported on August 1.