TAIPEI, Taiwan — Beijing and parts of northern China are experiencing record temperatures, with authorities urging people to limit their time outdoors.
The Nanjiao observatory in southern Beijing on Saturday for the first time recorded temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) for a third consecutive day, according to the China Meteorological Administration.
In nearby Hebei province and the port city of Tianji, temperatures have also soared above 40 C over the past few days, prompting authorities to issue “red” alerts for extreme weather.
In China’s four-tier weather alert system, the red indicates the most severe conditions.
On Thursday, Beijing experienced its second-hottest day on record – with temperatures soaring to 41. 1 C (106 F). It was also the highest temperature ever recorded in China’s capital during the month of June.
Beijing’s all-time high of 41. 9 C (107 F), since modern records began, occurred on July 24, 1999.
According to Chinese meteorologists, the heat wave is caused by air masses that are associated with high pressure ridges and are exacerbated by the long days and thin clouds around the Summer Solstice.
Other countries in Asia have experienced deadly heat waves in recent weeks, which scientists say are aggravated by rising global temperatures, caused partly by the burning of fossil fuels.
In China the heatwave coincided with the Dragon Boat Festival. The festival is a 3-day holiday in which paddlers race boats and eat rice dumplings.
Beijing’s weather authorities urged residents to avoid exercising outdoors for long periods and take measures to shield from the sun.
Temperatures in the capital are expected to drop to around 34 C (93 F) on Monday before rising again later next week.
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