Abstract:The purpose of this study is to evaluate the climatic potential suitable zones and disaster risks distribution for apple cultivation in Mizhi County from 1991 to 2020. Based on the meteorological observation data, the digital elevation model data and the land confirmation rights data, the changing trends for heat and water resource of Mizhi County from 1971 to 2023 were analyzed by methods such as climate tendency rate and M-K test. By integrating climatic conditions, site characteristics, and available agricultural land resources, this study conducted a quantitative analysis and assessment of the climatic potential suitable regions for apple cultivation in Mizhi County, evaluated their cultivation development potential, and identified risk-sensitive areas of major meteorological disasters. The results indicate: (1) Mizhi County has exhibited a warming and moistening trend over the past 53 years, enhancing the suitability of hydrothermal conditions for apple growth. (2) The potential climate suitability regions are mainly distributed in sun-facing gentle slopes of hilly-gully areas at elevations of 870~1 240 m, covering approximately 20 064.0 hm2 (53.2% of available agricultural land). (3) Climate risk assessment revealed: 11 752.2 hm2 of low-risk areas and 8 311.8 hm2 of moderate-risk areas for flowering-period frost damage; 4 675.3 hm2 of moderate-risk and 15 388.7 hm2 of high-risk areas for drought during sprouting-young fruit stages. These findings provide direct references for optimizing regional apple industry layout and enhancing meteorological disaster prevention strategies.