China's average temperature during October reached 11.7 degrees
centigrade, 2.1 degrees above normal, the China Meteorological
Administration (CMA) said on Thursday. These figures were the
highest nationwide since 1951.
The CMA revealed that last month, 24 of the country's 31
provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities recorded their
highest average temperature since 1951. In earlier October, daily
high temperatures in Beijing, Tianjin and Qingdao ranged between
29-31 degrees, a 45-year high.
Across northwest and north China, and in areas along the Yellow,
Yangtze and Huaihe rivers, average temperatures were 3-5 degrees
above seasonal averages. In September, China's average temperature
stood at 16.7 degrees, 0.5 degrees higher than normal.
Meteorological experts attribute the unusual warm weather to a
weak cold air front and the lack of rain which they say is linked
to global warming.
Related: Seasonal Changes of China's Cities
(Xinhua News Agency November 3, 2006)