China’s northern cities brace for more torrid heat

Beijing, July 6 (BNA): Chinese meteorologists on Thursday issued a series of heat warnings for northern parts of the country where temperatures are expected to exceed 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) in some areas, stressing taxation on electricity networks.

Severe heat has gripped China for several weeks, prompting local governments to ask residents and businesses to limit their electricity use. Weather experts expected extreme temperatures to eclipse last year’s scorching spell, which lasted for more than two months, Reuters reported.

By 7 a.m. local time, Beijing had already issued a red alert, the highest in the three-tier alert system. The maximum temperature in most areas of the city is expected to be over 40 degrees Celsius, according to the state-backed Beijing Daily.

The meteorological observatory in northern Hebei Province also issued a red alert, with temperatures in some areas expected to reach 40-43 degrees Celsius on Thursday.

The China Meteorological Bureau issued orange alerts, the second highest alert, in much of northern China where temperatures of 40C and above are expected.

Orange alerts have also been posted across central and eastern north China in areas in Inner Mongolia and the provinces of Shaanxi, Henan and Shandong.

The Beijing Municipal Culture and Tourism Bureau on Thursday asked tour guides to reduce overseas trips. State media reported that a tour guide at the Summer Palace in Beijing collapsed and died last Sunday of heatstroke.

The Beijing Weather Observatory recorded 18 days of high temperatures (above 35 degrees Celsius) throughout the period from June to July 5, the largest number in the history of the same period since the station was built in 1951, according to the state-backed Beijing Daily.

Meanwhile, heavy rain continues to grip the southwestern municipality of Chongqing. According to statistics, as of 11 pm local time on July 5, rains have caused floods and geological disasters in 310 towns in 19 regions and counties, according to state media CCTV.

Severe floods have already killed 15 people in Chongqing.

MI