This City In China Breaks 30-Year Heatwave Record, Delays Autumn Amid Climate Warnings

Guangzhou, one of China’s largest cities, has yet to experience autumn despite it being mid-November, as temperatures remain above seasonal thresholds. According to the local meteorological service, Guangzhou has now logged 235 summer days, surpassing a previous record of 234 set in 1994. Normally, autumn arrives in early November when the five-day average temperature falls below 22°C, but officials expect summer conditions to last until at least November 18.

Climate experts link the prolonged heat to a weaker Siberian high-pressure system, which traditionally brings cooler air to the region, reducing temperatures. Currently, Guangzhou’s average temperature stands at 24.9°C, which is 1.2°C higher than historical averages, according to Ai Hui, a senior meteorologist at the Guangzhou Climate and Agricultural Meteorological Centre.

This prolonged summer follows other extreme weather events in Guangdong province, including severe flooding and a tornado in April that resulted in fatalities and injuries. Rising temperatures have strained local infrastructure, especially electricity grids, as demand spikes with increased air conditioning use. In 2022, record-high electricity consumption during a prolonged heatwave led to significant power outages across China, prompting national leaders to heighten focus on energy security.

China’s accelerated push for renewable energy installations has shown promise in curbing emissions, yet analysts express concerns that rising energy demands may slow the transition away from coal. Globally, extreme weather events, amplified by human-driven climate change, continue to strain resources and highlight the urgent need for climate action.