China must prepare for a scorching 2024, says scientist

Currently experiencing its chilliest December since 1951, China is now bracing for more severe weather events due to the El Niño weather phenomenon.

State meteorology experts are predicting another round of heatwaves in the country for 2024. In 2023, China not only experienced some of the hottest temperatures since 1850, but also a harsh cold snap that left many regions frozen for nearly two weeks earlier this month.

China must prepare for a scorching 2024

“2024 could be hotter and could also be a year in which extreme weather conditions could become more frequent and powerful,” Zhou Bing, head of China’s National Climate Center, told state broadcaster CCTV.

Last summer, Beijing experienced extremely high temperatures. A remote town in northwest China recorded a temperature of 52 degrees Celsius - the highest ever in the country. Typhoons also brought record-breaking rainfall to North China, leading to widespread flooding. Zhao mentioned that extreme weather conditions could become even more severe following El Niño.

El Niño is a climate event that happens every two to seven years. It involves the warming of Pacific waters, which can cause heavy rains, storms, or droughts in different parts of the world. This event is usually linked to warmer winters in China.

However, experts suggest that the combination of this El Nino and cold Arctic winds earlier this month could lead to different outcomes. The country's observatory describes China’s weather pattern since mid-December as “exceptionally complex," with cold air circulation continuing until the new year.

The country's meteorological department also predicts that China will experience two more mild cold waves next week.

This year’s El Niño started in June and led to new temperature records worldwide. Weather experts predict that El Niño could end between April and June next year. However, since El Niño's effects take months to appear, it could break more temperature records in 2024.

Frequent occurrences of extreme weather

Beijing News reported that this year has seen frequent occurrences of extreme weather such as cold waves, high temperatures, heavy rains, and sand storms. In the weather logs, new records have been set for temperatures, rain and snow precipitation, and other data.

China's observatory called the weather pattern since mid-December "unusually complex", with the circulation of chilly air persisting until the start of the new year.

Keep Reading

• Indigenous Communities In J&K Struggle With Increasing Lightning Risks To Livelihoods
• Bhopal: Street Vendors Still Pay Illegal ‘Fees’ Despite CM’s Directive
• Monsoon Disasters Increased In Uttarakhand In Last Four Years, Claim 213 Lives

Follow Ground Report for Climate Change and Under-Reported issues in India. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Koo App, Instagram, Whatsapp and YouTube. Write us on [email protected].