Qiemo County on the southern edge of the Taklimakan Desert in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region saw the heaviest rainfall in 72 years on Tuesday.
The rare heavy rain brought a precipitation of 54.7 mm within 12 hours to the county, where the average annual precipitation is about 24.5 mm while the evaporation rate is 2,500 mm.
"During the raining process, 12-hour precipitation in Qiemo County reached 54.7 mm, breaking the single-day precipitation record since (the start of meteorological records) in 1954. The rainfall within one day was equivalent to the total precipitation of two years. The latest rainfall has improved the microclimate and soil moisture in Qiemo County, ensured the normal growth of crops and forage grass, and effectively alleviated the pressure on agricultural production caused by high temperature and drought," said Zhen Jianmin, head of Qiemo County Meteorological Bureau.
Heaviest rainfall in 72 years seen in Xinjiang's Qiemo County
Germany is sweltering through its most intense heatwave of the year, with meteorologists warning that temperatures in western and southwestern regions could climb to nearly 40 degrees Celsius.
According to the German Weather Service (DWD), a persistent high-pressure system is channeling warm air from the south into the country. Western and southwestern German regions are facing a heat wave, with some areas likely to shatter local June temperature records.
"The heat is really extreme today. It could hit 40 degrees Celsius. For this area, such weather is truly rare. Most buildings here were not designed for temperatures above 35 degrees Celsius, and maybe only two percent have air conditioning. If it really exceeds 40 degrees Celsius, it could be very tough for the elderly," said one local resident in the Rhine region.
Despite the blistering conditions, many residents in Nordrhein-Westfalen, west Germany, are still out along riverbanks of Rhine River, strolling and cycling, while ice creams and chilled beverage saw a surge in customers seeking relief from the heat.
Beyond affecting daily life, the soaring temperatures are also taking a toll on the Rhine River itself. Prolonged heat has caused a significant rise in water temperatures in both the Rhine and one of its major tributaries, the Moselle. Experts warn that warmer water holds less oxygen, putting stress on fish populations and the broader river ecosystem.
Local authorities have urged the public to avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, stay well-hydrated, and pay special attention to vulnerable groups, including the elderly and young children, as the heatwave is expected to persist in the coming days.
Germany scorches under hottest heatwave so far in 2026
