Hong Kong CNN —China is grappling with extreme weather as severe drought and record temperatures scorch the north while heavy rains inundate the south, raising concerns about food security in the world’s second-largest economy. Areas of the country that produce a lot of rice and wheat have been badly affected, disrupting spring and summer planting seasons. The China Meteorological Administration (CMA) said on Wednesday that 28 regional weather stations broke their respective records for the highest temperature ever recorded in mid June. Meanwhile, southern parts of the country, the top rice growing region, have been grappling with weeks of downpours. These rains appear to be related to a seasonal monsoon pattern that can lead to intense showers over short periods.

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Persons: Yang Wentao Organizations: Hong Kong CNN, Agriculture, CCTV, China Meteorological Administration, National Climate Center, Ministry of Agriculture, CMA, Flood, Drought Locations: China, Hong Kong, Henan, Shandong, Fenyang, Shanxi, Zhejiang, Fujian, Jiangxi, Hunan, Guangxi, Guizhou, —