48.7°C (119.7°F) recorded at Dongkan station, setting China’s third-highest official temperature on record
Dongkan National Meteorological Station in the Turpan Basin, Xinjiang, recorded an air temperature of 48.7°C (119.7°F) on July 20, 2025, setting a new all-time high for the station and marking the third-highest official temperature ever recorded at a national-level weather station in China.
Image credit: Jim
Dongkan National Meteorological Station, located in the Turpan Basin of eastern Xinjiang, China, recorded a maximum air temperature of 48.7°C (119.7°F) on July 20, 2025.
This surpasses its previous record of 48.3 °C (118.9 °F) and is now considered the third-highest official temperature ever recorded at a national weather station in the country, after 49°C (120.2°F) at Turpan and 48.8°C (119.8°F) at Toksun.
On the same day, two nearby automatic weather stations recorded even higher values. The Mangxiaohu station reported 50.7°C (123.3°F), and another station near the Gaochang Ancient City site registered similar temperatures.
While these automated readings are not part of the national benchmark network, they indicate localized thermal intensification within the basin.
The Turpan Basin is China’s lowest and hottest geographical depression, reaching depths of approximately 154 m (505 feet) below sea level. It has a hyper-arid continental desert climate characterized by extremely high summer temperatures and minimal annual rainfall. July mean daily highs in the basin often exceed 40°C (104°F), and unofficial extremes as high as 52.2°C (126°F) have previously been reported at Sanbu Township.
The China Meteorological Administration issued red alerts in advance of the event, warning of dangerous heat conditions across eastern Xinjiang.
The Turpan Basin is one of the hottest and driest areas in China, situated below sea level and surrounded by mountain ranges. It is known for producing extreme summer temperatures due to its topographical enclosure and desert climate.
References:
1 吐鲁番气温飙至48.7度破历史极值，芒硝湖达50.7度 – SINA – July 20, 2025
I’m a science journalist and researcher at The Watchers, contributing to the Epicenter edition, where I cover peer-reviewed scientific research and emerging discoveries across Earth and space sciences. With a background in astronomy and a passion for environmental science, I’ve worked in shark and coral conservation in Fiji, conducting reef and shark-behavior research, contributing to mangrove restoration, and earning PADI Open Water and Coral Reef Certifications. I bring a blend of scientific rigor and storytelling to illuminate the discoveries shaping our planet and beyond.
Commenting rules and guidelines
We value the thoughts and opinions of our readers and welcome healthy discussions on our website. In order to maintain a respectful and positive community, we ask that all commenters follow these rules.