China warns of extreme heat threatening wheat crops in key growing regions

China’s meteorological authorities issued a stark warning on Friday about the high risk of dry, hot winds from Monday to Thursday, which could severely impact winter wheat crops in major producing provinces, including Henan, often referred to as the nation’s granary. The China Meteorological Administration (CMA) forecasted that temperatures in parts of Henan, Shaanxi, Shanxi, and other regions could soar above 40°C during the period, potentially setting new records for this time of year. The extreme weather conditions, coupled with dry winds, are expected to disrupt the critical grain-filling stage of wheat development, accelerating maturation and risking significant crop damage.

Henan province, which accounted for approximately 27 per cent of China’s total wheat output in 2024, is particularly vulnerable. The region’s wheat harvest normally begins in late May, but any decline in production could have far-reaching implications for China’s food security.

The warning comes amid growing concerns over domestic supply shortfalls. Chinese buyers purchased between 400,000 and 500,000 metric tons of wheat from Australia and Canada, as fears mount over the potential impact of extreme heat on the nation’s agricultural heartland.

A substantial drop in Henan’s wheat production could force China to further increase imports, adding pressure to global wheat markets already strained by weather-related disruptions in other major producing countries.

Tags: wheat, crop, imports, extreme weather conditions, winds, China, harvest, winter wheat, Production