TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — Beijing and parts of northern China are experiencing record temperatures, with officials urging people to limit their time outdoors.
The Nanjiao Observatory in southern Beijing on Saturday recorded a temperature of 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) for the first time for the third day in a row, the China Meteorological Administration said.
In nearby Hebei province and the port city of Tianjin, temperatures have soared above 40 C over the past few days, prompting authorities to issue “red” warnings for extreme weather.
In China’s four-tier weather warning system, red indicates the most severe conditions, with potential health and safety risks.
Other countries in Asia have experienced deadly heat waves In recent weeks, scientists say the burning of fossil fuels is causing global temperatures to rise.
Beijing recorded its second hottest day on Thursday, when the temperature soared to 41.1 C (106 F). This is the highest temperature ever recorded in the Chinese capital in June.
The city experienced its all-time record high of 41.9 C (107 F) on July 24, 1999.
Chinese meteorologists say the current heat wave is caused by warm air masses associated with high-pressure ridges in the atmosphere, compounded by thin clouds and long daylight hours around the summer solstice.
The warmer weather coincides with a three-day public holiday, a dragon boat festival, dedicated to eating rice dumplings and racing boats driven by teams of oarsmen.
Beijing’s weather officials urged residents to avoid prolonged outdoor exercise and to take measures to protect themselves from the sun.
Temperatures in the capital are expected to drop to around 34 C (93 F) on Monday, before rising again late next week.
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