Heatwave Alert Issued as Scorching Hot Temps Hit Shanghai

By Bridget O'Donnell

Fans out, ACs all the way up: It's gonna be a scorcher of a week across China.

The meteorological agency reported earlier this week that temperatures across the country are expected to be hot, hot, hot as a subtropical high from the West Pacific Ocean hits. The heatwave will sweep across 21 provinces covering an area of of 3.64 million square meters by Thursday of this week, stretching all the way from northern China to the eastern and western regions of the country.

The heatwave has already hit parts of northern China earlier this week, with places like Hebei, Shanxi, Shaanxi, Gansu, Ningxia, Sichuan and Xinjiang hitting 40-42 degrees Celcius. Up to 31 cities and counties in these areas have already seen record-breaking maximum temperatures as the mercury climbs.

Temperatures are exceeding 40 degrees in some parts of China.

Pandas keeping cool in Sichuan.

In Turpan, Xinjiang, a high of 48.7 degrees Celcius was recorded on Monday afternoon, while surface temperatures at the popular Mountain of Flames scenic zone hit 88 degrees(!). Police officers in the area even complained of their shoes cracking in the heat.

In Beijing, temperatures are currently at 37 degrees and could hit as high as 39 tomorrow. Temperatures are expected to remain in the mid-30s throughout the next week.

In Shanghai, meanwhile, maximum temperatures are expected to exceed 35 degrees for the next eight to 10 days. From July 13 to 15, they could increase to 38 degrees. Light drizzle on Sunday (July 16) could bring some relief from the sizzling heat.

According to Shanghai Daily, the weather will continue to be erratic for the 'Hai throughout the season:

Unsettled weather conditions remain a likelihood during the summer. Last week, alerts for gales, lightning, thunderstorms and hail were released, and that pattern may well last for the rest of summer.

Over the next few days, the heatwave will move southward, with central and eastern China expected to be hit with their highest temperatures yet this year.

Authorities urge the public to take the proper precautions to protect against the heat. That includes reducing time outdoors, especially from 10am-4pm, and drinking plenty of water — at least two liters per day.

[Images via Shanghai Daily]

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