Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the unusual climate phenomena in North China, highlighting the simultaneous occurrence of extreme rainfall and high temperatures, which raises concerns about urban safety, energy stability, and climate adaptability [1][3]. Climate Anomalies - This year, North China's rainy season started over 10 days earlier than usual, with the longest duration and highest cumulative rainfall recorded historically, while the national average temperature reached the highest for the same period [3][5]. - The simultaneous occurrence of extreme weather is attributed to the abnormal activity of the subtropical high-pressure system, which has disrupted the typical seasonal patterns [3][4]. Regional Climate Variations - The subtropical high-pressure system's early northward movement has led to prolonged rainfall in North China, while areas under its influence experience high temperatures and humidity, creating a "sauna-like" environment [3][4]. - The climate differentiation within the region results in localized weather extremes, with some areas experiencing heavy rainfall while others remain hot and dry [4]. Disaster Preparedness in Mountainous Areas - Rural and mountainous areas are more vulnerable to extreme weather, with rapid rainfall leading to flash floods, especially in regions where housing is built in flood-prone areas [7][8]. - Recommendations for improving disaster preparedness include enhancing early warning systems, optimizing spatial layouts to avoid building in hazardous areas, and conducting risk drills to raise public awareness [8]. Challenges in Meteorological Forecasting - The prediction of large-scale climate anomalies is challenging, as traditional models struggle to accurately capture the systemic deviations in rainy seasons and flood periods [9]. - Mountainous regions face difficulties in monitoring extreme rainfall due to the small-scale, short-duration, and high-intensity nature of such events, which complicates timely warnings [9][10]. Energy Transition and Climate Change - The acceleration of climate change is primarily driven by human activities, particularly greenhouse gas emissions, with the potential for extreme weather to become a new norm [12][13]. - The article emphasizes the need for energy transition to mitigate climate change effects, advocating for the development of renewable energy sources and improved energy security [12][13]. Urban Climate Resilience - Urban climate resilience is hindered by planning delays, with existing cities often lacking adequate infrastructure to handle extreme weather events [15]. - Investment in rural disaster preparedness is prioritized, as rural areas face more immediate threats from extreme weather compared to urban centers [15].

智通财经7月21日电，伴随极端高温，干旱、暴雨、洪灾也频频袭扰北半球。而正值冬季的南半球却遭 遇了世纪严寒。专家警告，破纪录的极端天气已成为地球一种新的常态。数据显示，在西班牙，一些地 区最高气温一度高达46℃，两个月以来，气象部门已累计发布76次红色高温预警。截至7月19日，全国 已有1180人死于高温相关疾病。另外，寒潮自6月26日开始影响南美，并在6月30日达到最强，导致阿根 廷、智利、乌拉圭等国出现创纪录低温，部分地区最低气温降至零下18℃。 (央视) 南半球遭遇世纪严寒低温创纪录 西班牙46℃高温超千人死亡 ...

Core Viewpoint - A severe and prolonged heatwave is affecting over 20 provinces in China, with significant health risks associated with extreme temperatures and a surge in air conditioner purchases [1][4][16] Group 1: Heatwave Impact - The heatwave is impacting approximately one-third of China's land area, with temperatures in some regions exceeding 35°C for the first time in decades [1][4] - In Harbin, temperatures have reached 31-34°C, significantly higher than previous years, leading to a notable increase in air conditioner sales [8][10] - The extreme heat has resulted in a spike in heat-related illnesses, with reports of severe cases and fatalities [4][5] Group 2: Air Conditioner Demand - There is a dramatic increase in air conditioner purchases in Northeast China, with sales reportedly up by 1100% compared to the previous year [10] - Installation demand has surged, with some customers facing wait times of up to two weeks for air conditioner installation [10][11] - Major retailers have reported a fivefold increase in air conditioner logistics, indicating a significant market response to the heatwave [10] Group 3: Health Risks - The risk of heat-related diseases has escalated, with a reported 218% increase in calls for heatstroke symptoms in Shandong compared to the same period last year [4][5] - National health data indicates a 15.8% increase in reported heatstroke cases and a 75% increase in fatalities compared to the average from 2020-2024 [5] - Global data shows that high temperatures have led to significant mortality rates, particularly among vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly [7][16] Group 4: Climate Change Context - Experts indicate that extreme weather events, including heatwaves, are becoming more common due to global warming, with a notable increase in the frequency and intensity of high-temperature events [1][16] - The average number of warm days in China has increased by 6.7 days per decade, contributing to longer and more intense warm seasons [16][17] - The current heatwave is attributed to persistent high-pressure systems that inhibit cloud formation and precipitation, leading to sustained high temperatures [16][17]