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Advances in Earth Science >

2025 , Vol. 40 >Issue 9: 974 - 986

DOI: https://doi.org/10.11867/j.issn.1001-8166.2025.080

Characteristics of Compound Heatwaves and Precipitation Extremes of Warming Season in China from 1979 to 2024

  • Ruoji WANG ,
  • Danqing HUANG
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  • School of Atmospheric Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
WANG Ruoji, research area includes weather and climate extremes. E-mail: wrj@smail.nju.edu.cn
HUANG Danqing, research area includes mid-latitude circulations and climate extremes. E-mail: huangdq@nju.edu.cn

Received date: 2025-06-24

  Revised date: 2025-08-20

  Online published: 2025-08-31

Supported by

the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2022YFF0801601)

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Abstract

Anthropogenic activities and global warming have amplified the likelihood of heatwaves and precipitation extremes. In particular, compound heatwaves and precipitation extremes pose severe threats to public health, society, and ecosystems. Based on daily temperature and precipitation data from the ERA5 reanalysis from 1979 to 2024, this study introduced a classification of dry and moist heatwaves to analyze the frequency, magnitude, and temporal evolution of compound heatwaves and precipitation extremes over China during the warm season (from May to September). The results revealed a rapid increase in the occurrence and spatial extent of such events nationwide, with an accelerating trend observed after the year 2000. The heatwave magnitudes of the temperature and precipitation extreme magnitudes were found to be significantly higher than those of individual extremes, with enhanced extremeness after 2000. For comparison, the moist heatwave compound extremes were concentrated in frequent occurrence regions, such as the Hexi Corridor and Sichuan Basin, while dry heatwave compound extremes showed a nearly uniform distribution across the country. From 1979 to 2024 the proportion of moist heat wave compound events increased. Moreover, the heatwave magnitude of the temperature in moist heatwave compound extremes was stronger than that in dry heatwave compound extremes, suggesting a higher risk of damage compared to individual extremes or dry heatwave compound extremes. This potential risk is projected to escalate further with ongoing global warming, which requires sustained monitoring.

Key words： Heatwave; Precipitation extreme; Compound weather and climate extreme

Cite this article

Ruoji WANG , Danqing HUANG . Characteristics of Compound Heatwaves and Precipitation Extremes of Warming Season in China from 1979 to 2024[J]. Advances in Earth Science, 2025 , 40(9) : 974 -986 . DOI: 10.11867/j.issn.1001-8166.2025.080

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