Home / Weather / China Endures Hottest Summer and Longest Rainy Season on Record
China Endures Hottest Summer and Longest Rainy Season on Record
9 Sep
Summary
- China's summer 2025 was the hottest since 1961
- Rainy season began 1 week earlier than usual
- Extreme weather caused deaths and economic losses
As of September 9th, 2025, China has been grappling with the aftermath of an exceptionally hot and wet summer. According to the China Meteorological Administration, the country faced its hottest summer since 1961, with a national average temperature of 22.3°C (72.14°F) - 1.1°C above normal and tied for the highest on record.
Compounding the extreme heat, China's northern regions experienced their longest rainy season in recent history. The "Plum Rains", named for their timing coinciding with plum ripening along the Yangtze River, began a full week earlier than usual, triggering torrential downpours. These heavy rains resulted in the deaths of hundreds of people and caused billions of dollars in economic losses as aging flood defenses were overwhelmed.
Atmospheric scientists have linked this chaotic weather to the impacts of climate change, posing major challenges for Chinese policymakers. The scorching heat has strained the power grid and damaged croplands, while the devastating floods have displaced millions. As the world's second-largest economy, China's ability to adapt to these extreme conditions will have global implications.
