Mega-cities on China’s eastern coast are facing another spell of scorching heat as temperatures hovered around 40 Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) on Friday.
Prolonged extreme temperatures are expected even in the coming week.
First Red Warning Signal
The Shanghai Meteorological Center on Thursday issued the first red warning signal for high temperatures this year.
The Center issued the warning after the sprawling metropolis hit 40C, logging the 22nd day of temperatures over 40C.
Extreme Weather
This extreme weather has been recorded from the time the Xujiahui weather station began tracking data in 1873.
In nearby Hangzhou, officials issued a red warning early on Friday after some areas in Shangcheng district, Binjiang district, Gongshu district, and Xihu district hit 40C.
A red warning is the most severe in a three-tiered warning temperature system.
A Tourist Complains of Unendurable Heat
Wang, a 60-year-old tourist who travelled to Hangzhou from the cooler northern province of Hebei, said, “It’s so hot, like fire falling from the sky.”
He further said, “I’m sweating all over. There is wind but it is hot.”
China Records Hottest July In Recent History
China recorded its hottest July in recent history on record, while July 22 was the hottest day ever recorded.
The European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service, which has tracked such global weather patterns since 1940, made this observation.
Warnings For High Temperatures
Chinese weather forecasters also issued warnings for high temperatures for many parts of the country.
Anhui, Jiangsu, Hubei, Jiangxi, Zhejiang, and Fujian provinces, Chongqing and Shanghai, are expected to see temperatures around 37-39C, and some areas at 40C or higher.
Treacherous Heatwaves Becoming The Norm
Treacherous heatwaves are becoming the norm in China as experts blame global climate changes for extreme weather conditions across the world.
Another Tourist Complains Of Unbearable Heat
“It’s so hot and I am sweating all the time,” said Li Wen, a 22-year-old tourist visiting Shanghai.
He added, “Everyone is wearing sun protection shirts, holding parasols, and taking precautions against the sunshine.”
The country is bearing yet another summer of torrid heat.
Furthermore, weather experts expect more hotter and longer heatwaves for the foreseeable future.
(With Inputs From Reuters)
