Research results released by the Chinese Academy of Sciences and other institutions also showed that the northwestern regions, particularly the central and western areas within the range, have more precipitation, including parts of the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, the Qilian Mountains, the Hexi Corridor and the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

In the eastern part of Northwest China, the increase in precipitation was not obvious, with some areas even having a slight decrease.

Meanwhile, an increase in melting glaciers, river runoffs and the rise of lake water levels have emerged in Northwest China.

A research report carried out by CAS suggested that the changes were probably caused by an intensification of the water cycle triggered by global warming.

Zhang Qiang, deputy director of Gansu's meteorological bureau, said that the northwestern region is very sensitive to global warming. Thus, the impact of climate change on the region is more significant.

Some experts believe that the warmer and wetter climate is good for the development of agriculture and environmental restoration.

Li Zongsheng, an associate researcher with the Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources at CAS, said it is of positive significance for local economic development to seize opportunities to appropriately increase the scale of agricultural cultivation in the short term.

However, Li stressed that the drought in Northwest China cannot be changed. "We should coordinate the relationship between sustainable development and water resources," Li added.

Zhang warned, "As the climate gets warmer, more natural disasters including torrential rainfall and landslides could occur in the region.

"It is important to raise awareness of disaster prevention and relief."

Xinhua