Summary of Key Points
This summer, India has experienced rare extreme heat conditions (pavement becoming so hot that it sticks to shoes, and tap water being scalding hot), while neighboring China has not seen similar levels of high temperatures. The article focuses on the reasons behind these differences.
Detailed Analysis
#### 1. Terrain: India is like a “closed heat trap,” while China’s terrain allows for better heat dissipation
India’s terrain is characterized by a northern barrier (the Himalayas) that blocks cold air from moving south, and a central plain (the Ganges Delta) that traps heat like a lid on a pot. In contrast, China has a more varied landscape with the Tibetan Plateau acting as a natural air conditioner, preventing hot air from moving northward, as well as numerous mountains and rivers that disperse heat to different regions. For example, the southwestern Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau remains cool in summer, and the southeastern coast is moderated by the ocean, making it less prone to widespread extreme heat.
#### 2. Monsoons: India relies on monsoons for cooling, but this year they have been weak or delayed
India’s cooling depends on the southwest monsoon, which brings rainfall. However, this year the monsoon has been weaker or less frequent, resulting in prolonged periods of dry and hot weather. China, on the other hand, benefits from two monsoons: the southeast monsoon brings moist air from the Pacific Ocean (with the typical plum rain season in the Yangtze River basin), and the southwest monsoon provides rainfall to regions like Yunnan and Sichuan, mitigating heat without leading to prolonged extreme conditions.
#### 3. Climate Types: India has a tropical monsoon climate with high average temperatures year-round, while China has a more diverse climate with varying buffers
Most of India has a tropical monsoon climate, resulting in consistently high temperatures throughout the summer. Without sufficient monsoon rainfall, temperatures can easily exceed extreme levels. China, with its variety of climates, experiences hotter summers in the north (temperate) but not for extended periods above 40°C. The southern subtropical regions have rainy seasons that provide relief from heat, and even tropical areas (like Hainan) are less prone to extreme heat due to their smaller size.
#### 4. Urban Heat Island Effect: India’s cities suffer more from the heat island effect, while China uses green spaces to mitigate it
Large Indian cities (such as Delhi and Mumbai) have high population densities, dense buildings, and limited greenery, leading to a buildup of heat. In contrast, many Chinese cities invest in green spaces (e.g., Century Park in Shanghai and the wetlands along the Pearl River in Guangzhou), as well as rivers (like the Huangpu River and Yangtze River) that help dissipate heat and reduce the urban heat island effect.
These factors combined have created the “superheated” conditions in India this summer, while China has remained relatively cooler. Although some parts of China also experience high temperatures, they are not as extreme as those in India.