China’s largest freshwater lake sees earliest dry season

China’s largest freshwater lake is having an early dry season this year for the first time since authorities started to keep records in 1951.

According to Beijing-based China Daily, the water level in Poyang Lake, located in the eastern city of Jiujiang in the northwestern Jiangxi province, last week receded to 11.99 meters (39 feet).

Authorities recorded that the lake entered dry season 17 days earlier than last year while the water was 6.4 m (20.1 ft) lower than the level recorded the previous year.

China this year is witnessing sweltering temperatures and scant rains, and the lake’s water level is expected to recede in the coming days.