Core Insights - The total water inflow in the main water area of the Yellow River from July to October this year is approximately 26.778 billion cubic meters, which is roughly in line with the historical average, but the distribution shows a trend of "less in the upper reaches and more in the middle reaches" [4] - The upper reaches of the Yellow River have seen a 21% decrease in water inflow compared to the historical average, while the middle reaches have experienced a 35% increase [4] - The Yellow River Water Resources Commission is actively managing water storage in reservoirs to address the uneven distribution of water inflow and ensure water security for the entire river [6] Water Management Efforts - As of October 31, the total water storage in six reservoir groups in the middle and lower reaches of the Yellow River reached 10.552 billion cubic meters, marking the second-highest level for this time of year in history [6] - The water storage efforts are aimed at preparing sufficient water resources for drought prevention and supply during the upcoming winter and spring [6] Future Projections - Long-term runoff forecasts indicate that from November 2025 to June 2026, the water inflow in the main water area of the Yellow River will continue to show a pattern of decreased inflow in the upper reaches and increased inflow in the middle reaches [4]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the ongoing drought conditions affecting various regions in China, the measures being taken to mitigate the impact on agriculture and water supply, and the expected weather patterns that may alleviate the situation in the coming days [1][2][3][4][5][6]. Group 1: Drought Conditions and Impact - Since last winter, the southwestern regions have experienced insufficient rainfall, leading to a gradual worsening of drought conditions, particularly in nine provinces including Hebei, Shanxi, and Henan [1][2]. - As of May 7-13, rainfall in Hebei, Hubei, and Guangxi helped alleviate drought conditions, while areas in Shanxi, Henan, and Gansu continued to suffer from persistent drought [2][3]. - The Pearl River Basin has seen a significant reduction in rainfall, with the average rainfall in the West River Basin being 40% lower than the historical average [2]. Group 2: Emergency Measures and Water Supply Management - Various irrigation districts, such as the Shaanxi Jiaokou and the Huanghe River irrigation areas, have implemented emergency measures to ensure water supply for agriculture, with over 1.2 million acres irrigated in Shaanxi alone [1][4]. - In Henan, 234 large and medium-sized irrigation districts have collectively diverted 23.38 billion cubic meters of water, irrigating approximately 1.8 million acres [4]. - The Ministry of Water Resources has initiated a level IV emergency response for drought in Gansu and is maintaining similar responses in Shanxi, Shaanxi, and Yunnan [3][4]. Group 3: Future Weather Predictions - Forecasts indicate that regions such as Guangxi, southern Sichuan, and central Yunnan may receive 40 to 80 millimeters of rain, which could help alleviate drought conditions [3]. - However, northern Hebei, Shanxi, and parts of Gansu are expected to experience little to no effective rainfall, leading to continued drought [3]. Group 4: Long-term Water Resource Management - The Pearl River Basin has established a tiered water supply system, with major reservoirs providing 14 billion cubic meters of water to support urban and rural water needs [5]. - In the Yellow River Basin, key water projects have supplied 10.5 billion cubic meters of water since May to meet drought relief needs [6]. - The Ministry of Water Resources plans to continue monitoring drought conditions and will implement precise measures to ensure water supply for both urban and agricultural needs [6].

Group 1 - The Central Meteorological Observatory forecasts high temperatures in regions such as the central and western Huanghuai, southern North China, and Guanzhong in Shaanxi from May 12 to 17, with temperatures exceeding 35 degrees Celsius on May 16 and 17, and local temperatures possibly reaching above 37 degrees Celsius [1] - From May 12, areas including Anyang, Jiaozuo, Xinxiang, Luoyang, Zhengzhou, and Xuchang in Henan, as well as Guanzhong in Shaanxi, will experience light to severe hot wind conditions, primarily affecting the period from May 12 and from May 15 to 17 [1] - The current drought warning indicates severe meteorological drought in provinces like Shaanxi and Henan, with specific areas experiencing extreme drought conditions [1] Group 2 - The water conservancy department is actively supporting drought-affected areas to ensure water supply, enhancing monitoring of rainfall, water conditions, soil moisture, agricultural conditions, and existing water resources [2] - Since the beginning of the year, Shaanxi has seen precipitation nearly 30% below the average, leading to ongoing drought conditions [2] - The Yellow River basin has been experiencing a continuous development of drought, with significant water supply adjustments made to ensure water security in the region [2]

Core Points - The meeting focused on drought conditions and water supply assurance in key wheat-producing areas in northern and southwestern China [1][2] - National average rainfall has decreased by 11% since March, with northern regions experiencing nearly a 30% reduction [1] - The drought situation is expected to persist, impacting the critical growth stages of winter wheat [1] Group 1 - The Ministry of Water Resources emphasizes the importance of drought prevention and water supply assurance as a key focus of disaster reduction efforts [1] - The goal is to ensure safe drinking water for urban and rural residents, as well as water for large-scale livestock and timely irrigation for crops [1][2] - A precise approach is required, including targeted measures and responsibilities to ensure effective drought response [1] Group 2 - Continuous monitoring of rainfall, water conditions, soil moisture, agricultural conditions, and existing water resources is essential for decision-making [2] - Implementation of the "3+1" standardization model for rural water supply to ensure no household is overlooked in drought-affected areas [2] - Precise scheduling of water releases from reservoirs and rivers is necessary to meet irrigation needs in drought-stricken areas [2]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the ongoing drought situation in Shaanxi province, emphasizing the urgent need for irrigation management and water supply to support agricultural activities, particularly wheat cultivation during the critical growth period. Group 1: Drought Situation and Response - Shaanxi province has been experiencing a continuous drought since the beginning of spring, prompting the provincial water resources department to initiate a level IV emergency response for drought prevention on April 16 [3] - The drought has led to a significant increase in irrigation demands, with farmers requiring additional water for their crops compared to previous years [5] - The local irrigation management teams are actively monitoring water levels and implementing strategies to optimize water usage, including the use of advanced irrigation techniques [6] Group 2: Irrigation Management Efforts - The management staff at the Fengjiashan Reservoir are conducting multiple inspections daily to ensure adequate irrigation flow during this critical period [2] - The irrigation management teams are employing a dynamic approach to develop and adjust irrigation plans based on soil moisture, crop planting structures, and expected water availability [3] - Various irrigation centers are collaborating to ensure efficient water distribution, with specific measures such as the implementation of a 24-hour duty system and the promotion of water-saving technologies [6] Group 3: Agricultural Impact - The agricultural sector, particularly wheat farming, is facing challenges due to the drought, with farmers reporting significant water needs for their crops [4] - The Shaanxi province has seen a shift in irrigation practices, with farmers now requiring two rounds of irrigation instead of one due to the dry conditions [5] - The local cooperative managing 1,570 acres of wheat has expressed gratitude for timely water supply adjustments, which are crucial for maintaining stable grain production [3]