Extreme events are significantly affecting the permafrost environment. Analysis of ERA5-Land reanalysis data revealed a summer heatwave in 2022 in the central Qinghai-Tibet Plateau's permafrost region. Four active layer sites showed maximum active layer thicknesses (ALT) in 2022, 20% higher than the 2000–2021 mean. The 2022 mean annual ground temperature (MAGT) was also the highest, exceeding the average by 10%. The heatwave's contribution to seasonal thaw depth, quantified using the Stefan model, ranged from 6.6% to 13.6%, with the maximum contribution in 2022. These findings enhance understanding of extreme event impacts on permafrost.
