Continuous high temperatures have led Poyang Lake to enter an unprecedented dry season early, the earliest since records began in 1951.
Poyang Lake water levels are rapidly decreasing due to heat. (Photo: VCG)
According to the hydrological monitoring center in Jiangxi Province, eastern China, the water level at the Xingzi hydrological station of Poyang Lake dropped to 11.99 meters at 2 AM local time on August 6, marking the lake’s entry into the dry season.
This occurrence is 16 days earlier than the previous record set on August 22, 2006. Experts note that the lake has experienced a rapid decline in water levels due to continuous high temperatures and relatively low inflow from the Yangtze River.
Since June 23, the water level at the Xingzi hydrological station has decreased by 7.44 meters over 44 days, with an average daily drop of 0.17 meters, according to statistics from the hydrological monitoring center.
Weather forecasts indicate that Jiangxi Province will continue to experience high temperatures and little rainfall over the next 10 days. With inflow from the Yangtze River slightly below normal levels, the water level in Poyang Lake is expected to continue to decline.
Poyang Lake is an important bird sanctuary worldwide. (Photo: VCG)
Poyang Lake, located in the northwest of Jiangxi Province, is the largest freshwater lake in China. The lake’s surface area fluctuates significantly between the rainy and dry seasons but has been gradually decreasing in recent years. During the rainy season, the lake can cover an area of up to 3,500 square kilometers.
Not only is it a vital freshwater reserve, but Poyang Lake is also home to many migratory bird species. In winter, up to 90% of the Siberian crane population resides here.
