Core Viewpoint - The recent severe drought in regions such as Guangxi and Henan has raised significant public concern, with meteorological warnings indicating ongoing and developing drought conditions across multiple provinces in China [1][3]. Group 1: Drought Conditions - As of May 14, the Central Meteorological Observatory issued a yellow warning for meteorological drought, with heavy drought conditions reported in provinces like Shaanxi, Henan, and Gansu [1]. - The drought has rapidly developed this year, particularly affecting South China, North China, and the Yangtze River basin, with areas in Shaanxi, Henan, and Jiangsu reaching extreme drought levels [1][3]. - Data from the National Climate Center indicates that from January 1 to May 6, 2025, Guangxi, Anhui, and Jiangsu experienced the highest average number of drought days since 1961 [3]. Group 2: Causes of Drought - The drought is attributed to the seasonal monsoon climate, where rainfall distribution is uneven, leading to insufficient precipitation in northern regions during spring [7]. - Increased evaporation due to rising temperatures in the Northern Hemisphere during spring and summer exacerbates drought conditions [7]. - The phenomenon of "sudden drought" has emerged, indicating that droughts can develop more rapidly than in the past, with the duration of drought conditions shortening significantly [7]. Group 3: Impact on Agriculture - Continuous severe drought conditions are expected to adversely affect agricultural production, particularly in key grain-producing areas [13][14]. - The summer grain production period is critical, and any lack of water could impact crop yields, especially in regions with insufficient irrigation infrastructure [13]. - The Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Emergency Management have allocated 40 million yuan for drought relief efforts in affected provinces, focusing on ensuring water supply for residents and agricultural needs [14].