Core Insights - Henan province is experiencing extreme high temperatures, with an average temperature of 30.5°C in July, which is 3.2°C higher than the normal average and the highest since 1961 [1][2] - The province has issued an orange heat warning, predicting temperatures above 37°C in many areas, with some regions potentially exceeding 40°C [2][3] - The drought conditions are severe, with a significant reduction in rainfall, leading to extensive agricultural impacts [2][4] Weather Conditions - July saw an average precipitation of 79.5mm, over 50% less than the normal amount, with some areas like Zhumadian receiving only 6mm, a 96% decrease [2] - Approximately 41% of monitoring stations report severe drought conditions, with some areas experiencing extreme drought [3] Agricultural Impact - The drought has affected 1.63 million acres of crops, with 398,000 acres experiencing severe drought conditions [2] - Farmers are adopting "night irrigation" techniques to combat the heat during critical growth periods for corn [4] Water Usage and Conservation - Residents are implementing water-saving measures, such as reusing water for multiple purposes, to cope with the drought [5][6] - Despite the drought, the availability of drinking water remains stable for most households [6] Government Response - The provincial government has initiated extensive irrigation efforts, with 1.08 million acres of crops receiving drought relief irrigation [7] - Water resources have been mobilized, with over 9 billion cubic meters of water allocated for irrigation [7] Future Weather Outlook - The current high-temperature conditions are characterized by a high number of hot days and a humid heat sensation [8][9] - Forecasts indicate a potential decrease in high temperatures with increased rainfall expected starting August 6 [13]