China's average temperature during October reached 11.7 degrees centigrade, 2.1 degrees above normal, the China Meteorological Administration (CMA) said on Thursday. These figures were the highest nationwide since 1951.

 

The CMA revealed that last month, 24 of the country's 31 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities recorded their highest average temperature since 1951. In earlier October, daily high temperatures in Beijing, Tianjin and Qingdao ranged between 29-31 degrees, a 45-year high.

 

Across northwest and north China, and in areas along the Yellow, Yangtze and Huaihe rivers, average temperatures were 3-5 degrees above seasonal averages. In September, China's average temperature stood at 16.7 degrees, 0.5 degrees higher than normal.

 

Meteorological experts attribute the unusual warm weather to a weak cold air front and the lack of rain which they say is linked to global warming.

 

Related: Seasonal Changes of China's Cities

 

(Xinhua News Agency November 3, 2006)