Extreme weather and climate events are frequent during this summer

The summer of China or main flood season this year (June to August) was characterized by phased and regional drought, flooding and other extreme events. The temperature is, on the whole, higher. And the number of typhoons which made landfall in China was fewer.

Heavier precipitation

There was more average precipitation nationwide in China, with a huge difference in spatial distribution. It registered 334.1 mm, about 2.7% more than that in normal years (325.2mm). Major rain-affluent regions are in northern China.

Historical change of national average precipitation in summer from 1961 to 2021 (mm)

Taiwan was exposed to the heaviest rainfall compared with the same period since 1979. Henan and Zhejiang was subjected to the heaviest rainfall compared with the same period since 1961. Ningxia witnessed the least precipitation since 1961.

National precipitation anomaly percentage distribution image in the summer of 2021 (%)

Higher temperature

The average temperature registered 21.7 ℃, 0.8℃ higher than that in the same period of normal years.

Historical change of national average temperature in summer from 1961 to 2021 (℃) Credits to Beijing Climate Center

Most regions in China were exposed to normal or higher temperature. The average temperature in Guangxi and Ningxia was the highest compared with the same period since 1961. 50 stations like Yunlong, Yunnan (42.6℃, June 4), Jilantai, Inner Mongolia (41.9℃, July 9) and Wuhai, Inner Mongolia (41.5℃, July 9) broke historical high.

National temperature anomaly percentage distribution image in the summer of 2021 (%) Credits to Beijing Climate Center

Major weather and climate events in this summer and its impacts

15 regional rainstorm processes have impacted China.

15 regional rainstorm processes and its impact coverage in the summer of 2021 Credits to Beijing Climate Center

North China, Huanghuai Region, Jianghan Region were battered by severe rainstorm, and flooding disasters.

7 staged high temperature events impacted China

The national average day of high temperature is 9.1 days, about 2.2 days more than that in normal years.

Meteorological drought happens both in southern and northern portions of China.

In summer, eastern Southwest China, South China, and eastern Northwest China have seen regional and phased meteorological drought condition.

Typhoon condition

The number of typhoons which was generated was more. And the number of typhoons which made landfall was less.

The time of the first typhoon which made landfall in China was later.

On July 25, Shanghai Typhoon Institute of China Meteorological Administration (CMA) released the 6th sounding balloon near the eye area of typhoon In-Fa in Zhoushan Photoed and Reported by Tang Bi and Sun Ziyao 

After the landfall of typhoon In-Fa, Putuo district meteorological office, Zhoushan, kept tabs on the follow-up development of In-Fa. Photoed and Reported by Jin Zhengting 

12 typhoons have generated in Northwest Pacific and South China Sea. 3 typhoons made landfall in China (In-fa, Cempaka, and Lupit). The number of typhoons which were generated was more than that in normal years (11.2). The number of typhoons made landfall in China was 1.6 fewer than that in normal years (4.6).(Sep.13)

As typhoon Chanthu approaches, on September 11, many fishing boats in Zhoushan, Zhejiang returned to the harbor and take relevant precautionary measures. Photoed by Xu Ying

Editor: Liu Shuqiao