China experienced unprecedented climate conditions throughout 2025, characterized by record-breaking warmth and significantly increased precipitation patterns, according to the authoritative China Climate Bulletin (2025) released by the China Meteorological Administration and National Climate Center.
The comprehensive report reveals the national average temperature reached 10.9°C, matching 2024’s record and exceeding the 1991-2020 average by a full degree Celsius. This temperature parity establishes both years as the warmest since comprehensive meteorological record-keeping began in 1951. The frequency of high-temperature days similarly achieved unprecedented levels, with extended heatwaves affecting central and eastern regions from late June through early September.
Precipitation patterns demonstrated notable increases, with annual rainfall volumes exceeding long-term averages by 4.5%. Northern China experienced particularly severe flooding during summer months, especially between late July and early August, due to intensified rainstorm activity. Gao Rong, Deputy Director of the National Climate Center, confirmed that North China’s rainy season reached historic peaks in both duration and total precipitation volume, while western regions recorded their most substantial autumn rainfall in meteorological history.
Typhoon activity surpassed normal parameters, with both formation frequency and landfall incidents exceeding seasonal averages. Five consecutive typhoons made landfall or significantly affected southern China between September and October, creating compounded weather challenges.
While meteorological drought conditions remained generally mild nationwide, specific regions experienced pronounced seasonal dryness. Southern China and the Yangtze River’s middle-lower reaches endured consecutive winter and spring drought periods. Cold air movements remained relatively subdued overall, though cold wave events occurred more frequently than typical patterns. Spring sandstorm activity intensified, with the inaugural annual sandstorm event occurring later than historical averages.
Gao Rong attributed these complex weather variations to multifaceted atmospheric and oceanic interactions across multiple timescales, emphasizing the early northward movement and subsequent retreat of subtropical high-pressure systems combined with an intensified East Asian summer monsoon.
The climate conditions produced significant societal impacts: heating-related energy consumption decreased across northern provinces during winter months, while cooling demand surged nationally during extended summer heat. Vegetation growth during the growing season reached its highest level this century, particularly in western Northeast China and central-eastern Inner Mongolia.
The China Climate Bulletin, published annually since 1994, serves as a critical reference for governmental decision-making and public climate education, providing comprehensive analysis of major weather events and their socioeconomic implications.