Central China's Henan Province, one of the country's most populous regions, is currently enduring its hottest July since 1961, as a severe and prolonged heatwave continues to grip much of the area. Local meteorological authorities reported that since the beginning of July, Henan has recorded an average of 10.8 high-temperature days, defined as days where temperatures reach 35 degrees Celsius or above. This figure is 7.8 days more than the seasonal average, indicating an exceptional period of extreme heat.

The intensity of the heatwave is further highlighted by the fact that seven weather stations in Henan have reported their longest-ever streaks of such high-temperature days in July. The province's average temperature for the month so far has soared to 3.8 degrees Celsius above the historical norm. Between July 13 and 16, daily highs climbed to 40 degrees Celsius or more in an astonishing 131 counties and districts, severely impacting daily life and activities across the province.

Meteorologists attribute this extreme heat to a robust subtropical high-pressure system. This system acts as a heat trap, leading to hot, dry weather conditions. Zhang Bo, a forecaster with China's National Meteorological Centre (NMC), noted that with the subtropical high-pressure system extending further north, heatwave conditions have intensified, particularly in North China and the Yellow-Huaihe river basin. He added that areas experiencing daily maximum temperatures above 37 degrees Celsius are expanding, and the humid heat is becoming increasingly pronounced.

The prolonged heatwave is not confined to Henan alone. China's national observatory renewed a yellow alert, one tier below the most severe red warning in its four-tier weather warning system, for high temperatures in several regions across the country. Parts of southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, Sichuan Province, and the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in the northwest are also expected to see temperatures exceed 40 degrees Celsius.

While the heat has been relentless, there is some relief in sight. The heatwave is expected to ease starting July 21, with widespread rainfall forecast across Henan Province, offering a much-needed respite from the scorching conditions. Earlier forecasts from the NMC had indicated that a prolonged heatwave would affect multiple regions across China from July 14 to 22, with some areas anticipated to approach or even exceed historical temperature records.