China: Heatwave 2023
Introduction
In 2023, China experienced an exceptionally severe summer, with more than 30,000 deaths linked to heatwaves-1.9 times higher than the average between 1986 and 2005. These impacts were driven by a sharp increase in heat exposure around the country. On 16 July 2023, temperatures exceeded 50°C in northwest China, and multiple weather stations across China reached new extremes (CNN, 2023). In addition, the all-China heat record was broken that same day in Sanbao.
The average number of "heatwave exposure days" per person rose to 16 days in 2023, more than three times the historical average (1986-2005). The China Meteorological Administration's annual Climate Bulletins confirm that such unprecedented heat is becoming more common, with hundreds of local temperature records shattered over the past decade. The record heat of recent years is a warning. Continued action is essential to keep communities safe and prevent further loss of life.
Explore the following resources on the 2023 heatwave in China.
