China is grappling with an extraordinary meteorological phenomenon this week as the relative humidity soared to an astonishing 100%, a situation rarely witnessed. Disturbing visuals are emerging, depicting homes with walls and ceilings drenched in condensation. Some residents resort to using window scrapers and hair dryers to combat the relentless moisture.
Sleeping conditions have become arduous, with reports of people having to use umbrellas indoors to shield themselves from dripping water, even after attempting to remove the condensation. Lunar New Year’s posters, adorned with red paint, are among the casualties, with the moisture causing the posters to drip, transforming homes into scenes resembling a crime scene.
The extreme humidity has triggered unprecedented challenges, with fingerprint recognition doors malfunctioning, preventing entry into homes. Additionally, humidity has been so intense that it’s transforming ordinary items like bags of chips back into a mashed potato-like consistency.
What adds to the complexity of this weather anomaly is that such conditions typically occur later in the year when temperatures rise. However, the unusual humidity has coincided with March, bringing a sweltering 30 degrees Celsius temperature, leaving residents to declare it the worst experienced in decades.
This weather aberration follows February’s record-breaking global temperatures, marking the ninth consecutive month of surpassing heat records. As climate anomalies continue to unfold, their repercussions on daily life and infrastructure underscore the urgency of addressing climate change.