China heatwave threatens corn, rice and cotton yields

A high‑pressure heatwave is sweeping northern and eastern China, with temperatures of 35‑38 °C forecast for Liaoning and the low‑ to mid‑30 °C range expected in Beijing. The Shandong provincial climate centre, which supplies about 10 % of the nation’s corn, warned that sustained mid‑ to high‑30 °C conditions could reduce summer corn yields. Liaoning, accounting for roughly 7 % of national corn output, also reported accelerated soil moisture loss on sloping hills and sandy areas.

The Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, the main cotton‑growing area, expects temperatures of at least 35 °C through mid‑August, with peaks near 50 °C in Turpan. Officials say the heat and accompanying high humidity could cut Xinjiang’s cotton production by up to 5 % in August and increase the risk of crop diseases. Similar extreme temperatures were recorded in South Korea, where a 42.5 °C reading set a new record in the southeast.

Forecasters from Vaisala and Marcus Weather highlighted the potential for heat stress on corn, soybean, rice and cotton crops, warning of possible stunted development, sunburn and premature ripening across the affected regions.