Marek Kučera 
Harsh Heatwave Set to Sweep Central Asia and Northern China: Record-Breaking Temperatures Ahead
As summer 2025 progresses, an intense heatwave is forecast to sweep across Central Asia and push into northern China, threatening to shatter temperature records and exacerbate the challenges posed by ongoing climate change. Meteorologists warn that temperatures in some regions will soar to unprecedented levels, with extreme daytime highs reaching up to 45°C (113°F) in Xinjiang and sustained nighttime minimums remaining swelteringly high at 32 to 34°C (90 to 93°F). Meanwhile, northeastern China is expected to experience similarly severe conditions, with daytime peaks around 42°C (107.6°F).
Xinjiang: The Epicenter of Extreme Heat
Xinjiang, China’s vast western region, is set to bear the brunt of the heatwave. Known for its arid desert landscapes and continental climate, Xinjiang frequently experiences scorching summers, but this wave threatens to break previous records. Temperatures reaching 45°C (113°F) during the day are expected, combined with oppressive nighttime lows around 32 to 34°C. Such conditions will push the limits of human endurance and test local infrastructure, including energy grids strained by increased demand for cooling.
High overnight temperatures in Xinjiang are particularly concerning because they limit respite from the daytime heat, compounding health risks and reducing sleep quality. Moreover, the agricultural sector faces threats, as excessive heat stresses crops like cotton and wheat, potentially reducing yields and threatening food security.
Northeast China Also Under Threat
While the northeast of China — encompassing provinces like Heilongjiang, Jilin, and Liaoning — typically enjoys milder summers, the forecast calls for daytime temperatures climbing to around 42°C (107.6°F) in parts of this region. This is an alarming rise compared to average summer highs, and even more so considering the relative rarity of such extreme heat there.
Despite these high temperatures, meteorologists note that the record-breaking area in northern China is expected to remain relatively small and scattered, with only a few monitoring stations registering new June heat records. Still, even isolated extreme heat events can have disproportionate impacts on vulnerable communities and ecosystems unaccustomed to such conditions.
More Records on the Horizon
Experts warn that the heatwave currently unfolding is unlikely to be the last. Climate change trends suggest that Central Asia and northern China will continue to face increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves in coming years. As global temperatures rise, previously rare extreme heat events are becoming more common, posing significant challenges to public health, agriculture, water resources, and infrastructure.
Illustration picture: https://eu.usatoday.com/story/weather/2013/08/01/china-heat-wave/2608415/
