China Heat Wave Threatens Corn, Rice, Cotton Crops
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- China's corn, rice and cotton fields face heightened risk of crop damage as a heat wave sweeps northern and eastern agricultural regions, with high-pressure weather systems driving hotter-than-normal conditions this week
- Vaisala forecasts Shenyang in Liaoning will see highs of 35-38°C through Aug 6, while Beijing hits the low-to-mid-30s into the weekend
- Shandong's climate centre warned sustained mid-to-high-30s°C temperatures through at least Aug 5 may crimp summer corn yields; Shandong accounts for 10% of China's corn production
- Jinzhou city government in Liaoning (which contributes some 7% of national corn output) said on July 31 that corn and rice are in critical growth stages, with soil moisture loss accelerating on sloping hills and sandy areas
- Xinjiang's regional climate centre forecast widespread temperatures of at least 35°C through Aug 11, with Turpan hitting 50°C; commercial forecaster Marcus Weather Inc. estimates the heat and drought could cut Xinjiang's cotton production by as much as 5% in August
- South Korea recorded its highest temperature on record — 42.5°C in Yangsan over the weekend — with pear orchards in Ulsan and poorly drained grape orchards reporting fruit shriveling
- Meanwhile, southern China (Guangdong and Guangxi) faces continued heavy rain on already saturated soils, raising the risk of rice blast disease per the China Meteorological Administration
Why it matters: With Shandong producing 10% of China's corn and Xinjiang supplying nearly all of its cotton, provincial climate centers warn of crimped summer corn yields while Marcus Weather Inc. estimates Xinjiang cotton output up to 5% lower in August. South Korea's all-time 42.5°C reading the same weekend underscores the regional heat stress on staple food and fiber production.
