LAST month was the warmest October in China over the past 55 years, which brought drought to many regions of the country, affecting more than 10 million people.
The average temperature last month was 11.7 degrees Celsius in China, 2.1 degrees higher than the historical average for October, and the highest since 1951, the China Meteorological Administration said today.
Areas, including northwestern and northern China, even saw a monthly average of three to five degrees higher. Wang Bangzhong, an official of the administration, said rainfall in some areas including northeastern, northern and southern China, dropped 50 percent to 90 percent last month, compared to the same historical period.
The increased temperature and lack of rainfall brought widespread drought to many parts of China. South Hebei Province, Shandong Province and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region were the hardest-hit areas, Wang said.
EDIT
http://www.shanghaidaily.com/art/2006/11/02/295969/October__the_warmest_in_55_years.htm