Abstract
Using generalised Pareto distribution (GPD) function, the regional characteristic of extreme monthly low temperatures (EMLT) distribution during 1960‐2007 in China is studied, and the potential impact of climate warming on EMLT regions in China is analysed. The results show that EMLT space distribution has latitudinal difference in China. Higher‐value EMLT events are likely to happen in northeastern and southwestern China, while EMLT variability and occurrence probability of high‐value EMLT events are less in the Yangtze and Huaihe River basin and the coast of southern China. The study indicates that climate warming impacts EMLT, and EMLT distribution responds to the climate warming over most areas of China. Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society