There are several main characteristics about weather and climate over China in 1998:The flood in winter and spring occurred in some parts of South China.In summer,the serious flood occurred in the valleys of the Yangtze,Nenjiang and Songhuajiang Rivers.In autumn,the precipitation was less than normal,and the drought occurred in some parts of China.The annual mean temperature in 1998 was higher in China.The total number of typhoons and the number of landing typhoons was less.The total number of hailstorms was close to normal.Heavy snow disasters hit parts of the Tibetan Autonomous Region and Qinghai province.