Severe Winter Drought in China's Central Provinces

[wyq614]

Recently, China's central provinces of Shanxi, Shaanxi, Henan and Hebei are experiencing rare drought in winter. The bureau of meteorology of Henan Province warns deeper drought.

From November of the last year, the precipitation of Henan Province is significantly lesser than normal. From 17 November, no significant rain/snow occurred in that province, especially in December, 2008, the average precipitation of the province is only 0.6mm, 95% lesser than normal, and the temperature is 1.6 degrees centigrade higher than normal and thus reached the highest point since 1961.

By the date of 3 January 2009, 19.6 million mu of wheat is suffering drought (100 mu equals to 666.6 square metres), of which 1.6 million mu is suffering severe drought, and the drought leads to the death of the wheat plant of 440 thousand mu.

According to the recent forecast, in the short term the drought will continue.

Source: Central China Youth Net (Chinese)

http://www.henanyouth.com/info/200916/66541004.html

[wyq614]

China declares highest level of emergency for worst drought of 50 years.

http://english.people.com.cn/90001/9077 ... 86728.html

[HurricaneBill]

Hopefully those areas will get some rain or snow soon.