Parts of Xinjiang in China recorded temperatures exceeding 46 C as a record-breaking heatwave swept the region, according to the National Meteorological Center; the heat is expected to last for six to nine days and could push temperatures in northwestern China to 41 C to 44 C. The weather event is part of four major heat waves forecast for July, with more days of extreme heat than usual for this time of year.

Heatwave Intensifies in Xinjiang and Inner Mongolia

Several locations in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region and Inner Mongolia topped 40 C, with stations in the Turpan Basin recording a blistering 46.2 C on Thursday afternoon. The most intense heat is expected between Friday and Wednesday, with prolonged and potentially record-breaking temperatures in the region.

Similar conditions are expected in parts of North China and the Huanghuai region, with two rounds of intense heat between Thursday to Saturday and again from July 9 to 11. Some areas could see maximum temperatures of 39 C to 41 C — Meanwhile, the Yangtze River Delta is forecast to gradually heat up through July 10, with daily highs ranging from 35 C to 38 C.

Cloud Seeding Experiment in Xinjiang

In a separate development. Xinjiang saw an unusual surge in rainfall in July 2023, with 78,200 cubic meters of additional water,over 700 million liters,falling in the region. The increase was not natural but the result of a weather manipulation experiment known as cloud seeding, a scientific study published in April in the journal ‘Desert and Oasis Meteorology’ detailed how researchers used silver iodide to induce rainfall.

The process involved mounting fuses of silver iodide on drones, which were then ignited at 5,500 meters. The silver iodide particles attracted water droplets in the clouds, creating heavier droplets that fell to the ground. The experiment was part of a broader effort to explore weather manipulation, a practice also used in the U.S. and Russia for events such as keeping parades dry.

Impact on Xinjiang-Based Companies

Several Xinjiang-based companies saw stock fluctuations amid the extreme weather conditions. Xinjiang Xuefeng Sci-Tech (Group) Co Ltd Class A (SSE:603227) dropped by −0.14 % in the last 24 hours and −1.10 % in the past week, with a −18.57 % drop over the last month. In contrast, Xinjiang Tianfu Energy Co., Ltd. Class A (SSE:600509) rose by 11.64 % in the last week despite a −12.18 % drop in the month, while Xinjiang Zhongtai Chemical Co., Ltd. Class A (SZSE:002092) increased by 4.65 % in the week but fell −13.46 % in the month.