China's 2025: Record Heat, Deluges, and Typhoons Unleashed

In 2025, China experienced exceptionally warm and wet climatic conditions, with its national average temperature matching a record high. This figure stood 1 C above the 1991-2020 average, making 2024 and 2025 the warmest years on record since 1951. High-temperature days also reached an unprecedented number.

Nationwide, average annual rainfall increased by 4.5 percent compared to the long-term average. Frequent rainstorms during summer led to severe flooding in northern China, particularly in late July and early August. Western China recorded its heaviest autumn rains. Typhoon activity was notably more active than usual, with both generated and landfalling typhoons exceeding the average.

Meteorological drought conditions were generally mild, though some regional and seasonal droughts persisted. Cold air activity was minimal overall, but cold wave events saw an increase in frequency. Strong wind days reached their highest count since 1991, and sandstorm activity rose in spring.

These complex weather patterns stemmed from interacting atmospheric and oceanic factors. While heating-related energy consumption declined in northern provinces during winter, hotter summers boosted demand for cooling across most of the country. Vegetation growth reached its highest level this century.