China's Heatwave Threatens Major Crops Amid Scorching Temperatures

China is facing severe heatwave conditions that threaten to damage its major crops. The country's northern and eastern regions, including Liaoning and Shandong provinces, are expected to experience hotter-than-normal temperatures, with highs reaching up to 38°C in Shenyang by Thursday.

The prolonged high-temperature conditions may reduce corn yields, while high humidity could increase the risk of crop diseases. The provincial climate centre for Shandong warned that sustained temperatures above 30°C through at least Wednesday may impact summer corn crops.

Further north, officials in Liaoning have expressed concern about the potential damage to corn and rice crops due to soil moisture loss on sloping hills and sandy areas.

The heatwave is also expected to affect Xinjiang, where almost all of China's cotton is grown. Temperatures are forecast to reach as high as 50°C in Turpan, southeast of Urumqi, and could lead to stunted development, sunburn, and premature ripening of crops.