Large areas of China are expected to suffer prolonged and potentially record-breaking heat over the next 10 days. Temperatures in parts of northwest China were forecast to rise to 44 degrees Celsius on Thursday, the National Meteorological Center said.
The worst heat is expected between Friday and Wednesday, when parts of northwestern China could see daytime highs of 41C to 44C, approaching or exceeding historical records, the center said.
Meteorological monitoring data showed temperatures exceeded 40°C at several locations in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, while stations in the Turfan Basin recorded a temperature of 46.2°C on Thursday afternoon.
The heat wave is expected to persist for six to nine days across much of northwest China.
The southern parts of North China and the Huanghuai region, covering areas around the Yellow and Huaihe Rivers, are expected to experience two periods of extreme heat, from Thursday to Saturday and again from July 9 to 11. In some areas, maximum temperatures can range from 39 C to 41 C.
Meanwhile, the eastern parts of the Yangtze River Delta are forecast to gradually warm until July 10, with daytime highs typically ranging from 35°C to 38°C.
The National Weather Center has predicted four major heatwaves in July. In eastern and central China, more days with temperatures of at least 35C are forecast than is typical for this time of year.
Weather authorities urged residents to closely monitor heat warnings and take precautions to reduce health risks.
Huang Zhuo, deputy director of the National Meteorological Center, advises people to avoid drinking liquids, use air conditioning or other cooling measures to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures, wear light clothing and avoid strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day.
People experiencing symptoms such as dizziness or rapid heartbeat are advised to immediately cool off with cold water or ice and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen, Huang said.