November 22, 2003

China - Rainfall Graphs

Rainfall was normal until early October, when the province was hit by very unseasonable rainfall.  Precipitation in November fell as snow.

Very heavy rain in August and late-September/early October affected cotton yields and delayed winter wheat planting.  Drought was a major problem in 2001 and 2002.

Periods of heavy rain in late August and mid-October were unfavorable for the cotton harvest.  Conditions were much drier in 2002 and 2001, when drought covered the region.

Wetter than normal, but not too excessive.  Earlier heavy rain (June/July) caused flooding the in the Huai River valley.  Conditions were drier than normal in 2001 and 2002.

Persistent wetness in August and September led to flooding in the Wei River valley.

Drier than normal, no harvest problems.

For more information, contact Paulette Sandene
with the Production Estimates and Crop Assessment Division,
Center for Remote Sensing Analysis at (202) 202-690-0133.