China’s dry winter wheat area is expected to receive rain and snow this week.
Reuters reports that the country’s weather service forecasts significant precipitation in northern and eastern wheat areas. Also the temperature might drop below 3 C in some areas.
The drought has been called the worst in 50 years and had caused the government in Beijing to exhort local governments to do all they could to ensure emergency irrigation.
The central government also provided extra money to drill wells.
Snow about 10 days ago, the first moisture in months, provided some relief and the area suffering severe drought has shrunk. Also, authorities have said that China’s large government-owned stores of wheat means it will not have to buy large amounts on the world market even if the drought continues.
But worries remain as noted in the following story on China television news:
http://english.cntv.cn/program/china24/20110223/104137.shtml
