An Assessment of Urbanization-Induced Precipitation Changes in China

Publication Date

6-1-2026

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Urban Climate

Volume

67

DOI

10.1016/j.uclim.2026.102886

Abstract

Urbanization can significantly modify precipitation patterns. This review systematically analyzes 262 studies (1980–2024) across China, focusing on how urbanization alters precipitation. A new quality assessment framework including nine objective criteria was developed to evaluate scientific rigor and data quality of studies. Papers meeting the required standard were selected for in-depth analysis. Unified variables were calculated using standardized formulas, enabling direct comparison between regions and cities. Results showed that most of the analyzed literature (77%) concentrates on the three major urban agglomerations: the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei (BTH), the Yangtze River Delta (YRD), and the Pearl River Delta (PRD), with a consistent pattern characterized by a reduction in light precipitation and a rise in moderate-to-extreme events. A consistent north-south gradient was observed in the urban contribution to precipitation (Cu), with values increasing from the BTH (30.8%) to the YRD (32.4%) and peaking in the PRD (56.1%) at the regional level. At the city level, the contributions of Beijing (18.6%), Shanghai (30.0%), and Guangzhou (34.2%) followed the same pattern. These spatial differences are likely influenced by regional climatic conditions and anthropogenic activities. The urban–rural difference in precipitation rate (RPu−rTP) at city level are significantly smaller than those at the broader urban-agglomeration level. The RPu−rTP of Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou are 0.4%, 2.1%, 1.1% per decade, respectively, much lower than those of the BTH, YRD and PRD region (7.1%, 9%, 13.4% per decade, respectively). This study provides a systematic analysis of recent advances, knowledges the gaps, offers concrete recommendations for advancing the field.

Funding Number

42330608

Funding Sponsor

National Natural Science Foundation of China

Keywords

Chinese cities, Literature review, Precipitation, Urbanization effect

Department

Meteorology and Climate Science

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