Temperatures top 40 C in northern regions

Temperatures surpassed 40 C in parts of the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region and the provinces of Shandong and Hebei on Monday after China's National Meteorological Center issued an orange alert — the second-highest level — for extreme heat on Sunday, anticipating highs exceeding 37 C in the following 24 hours.

Weather forecasts predict highs remaining above 35 C throughout the week in the municipalities of Beijing and Tianjin, the provinces of Hebei, Shandong and Hubei, the Inner Mongolia autonomous region, and Xinjiang.

While China typically experiences high temperatures in June and July, the current heat wave is notable for its intensity and widespread impact. Authorities warn that some areas in the provinces of Shandong, Henan, Shanxi and Shaanxi could see record-breaking temperatures for this time of year.

To mitigate heatstroke risks, people are advised to limit outdoor activities during the hottest times of the day and take necessary precautions.

Zheng Zhihai, chief forecaster at the National Climate Center, said most parts of China are expected to experience higher-than-average temperatures and more frequent high-temperature days this summer. Heat waves are likely to occur in North China, parts of East China, southern Central China and Xinjiang, with some regions potentially experiencing extreme highs.

limenghan@chinadaily.com.cn