2025 marks record high-temperature days across China, which was reported by the China Meteorological Administration (CMA), noting more days with temperatures above 35 °C than at any time since records began in 1961. The average annual temperature for 2025 was 10.9 °C, making it the warmest on record, along with 2024. From the end of June through early September, the central and eastern parts of the country experienced above-normal heat for an extended period. Additionally, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) identified 2025 as one of the three hottest years globally, underscoring the extent of warming across all regions.

Record Heatwaves Across Regions

During the hottest part of the summer, big areas of China had to deal with long periods of very high heat, with many places exceeding 35 °C repeatedly. The central and eastern provinces were hit hardest by these heatwaves, leading to the record number of hot days, and these tough conditions put stress on people and resources, with electricity use going up as people tried to stay cool.

Experts say that as heatwaves happen more often and last longer, the health risks, mainly for vulnerable people, go up and put a strain on infrastructure and public services. Very high heat can cause heat-related sicknesses and lower work output, especially for outdoor and manual jobs.

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Wet Weather and Combined Extremes

While high temperatures were a key factor in 2025, China also experienced above-average rainfall, with total rain about 4.5% above average, and Northern China experienced record rainfall and duration during its rainy season, while western areas recorded some of the heaviest autumn rains on record.

This mix of heat and rain created challenging climatic conditions, and intense summer rains led to flooding and increased landslide risk, while ongoing warmth extended the growing season for plants. These wet, warm conditions align with broader climate predictions that expect increased humidity and extreme weather as global warming continues.

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What This Means for Climate and Society

2025 marks record high-temperature days across China, further supporting the point that global climate change is leading to more severe heat spells and disrupting weather patterns. To this end, governments and local authorities must upgrade their strategies to minimise heat-related fatalities, strengthen public health preparedness for emergencies, and finance the creation of resilient infrastructure capable of addressing future climate risks.

Cropping areas may also become more vulnerable, as plants and animals are likely to be stressed by heat and erratic rainfall. The pressure on water and energy resources, particularly for cooling, will continue to grow, leading to greater emphasis on implementing environmentally sustainable resource management strategies.

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