When combined, `极端 (jíduān)` becomes a powerful adjective for “extreme” or “radical.” `天气 (tiānqì)` is simply “weather.” The term `极端天气` is therefore a very literal and modern construction meaning “extreme-end weather.”
While China has a long history of documenting natural disasters in its annals, the term `极端天气` is a modern one that has gained prominence with the global conversation on climate change. Its usage reflects a scientific, data-driven approach to weather phenomena that were once described in more poetic or fatalistic terms. A key difference compared to Western discourse is the emphasis on collective and state-led response. When `极端天气` is forecast, Chinese media and government agencies immediately focus on public safety alerts, mobilization of resources, and official directives. The narrative is often one of national unity and resilience in the face of a natural threat. This contrasts with some Western reporting that might focus more on individual stories of loss or political debate surrounding climate policy. The term in China is thus less a subject of debate and more a call to action and preparation, highlighting a societal value of collective responsibility and trust in central authority during a crisis.
`极端天气` is primarily used in formal contexts.