The variation of springtime northern branch ridge (SNBR) and its impact on precipitation and temperature in China are analyzed using NCEP/NCAR reanalysis data and the observational precipitation and temperature data at the 160 stations of China, with the methods of wavelet analysis, correlation analysis, etc. The results indicate that SNBR is gradually strengthening with periods of 2- 3 years and quasi- 6 years. Its position is moving eastward slightly with quasi-periods of 3 years and 12 years. When the SNBR is stronger (weaker), the spring precipitation from the Yellow River basin to south of the Yangtze River decreases (increases) obviously, while the spring precipitation rises (drops) in Northeast, Southwest and South China. When SNBR is eastward (westward), the spring pecipitation increases (decreases) in most part of the northern China and drops (rises) in most part of the southwest and southeast of China. Meanwhile, the springtime mean temperature in most part of China is higher (lower) than normal. When SNBR locates more westward (eastward), the precipitation decreases (increases) in the Huaihe River Basin, and rises (drops) in Northeast, Southwest and South China when the SNBR is strong (weak). The springtime mean temperature in most part of China is higher (lower) than normal. The relationship between the SNBR and the variation of the circulation can explain the climate change in China and improve the short- term climate forecasting.