WEB DESK
In Beijing and parts of northern China, people are experiencing record temperatures, with authorities urging inhabitants to limit their time outdoors. The Nanjiao observatory in southern Beijing on Saturday for the first time recorded temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius for a third consecutive day, according to the China Meteorological Administration.
In nearby Hebei province and the port city of Tianjin, temperatures also soared above 40 degree celsius over the past few days, prompting authorities to issue red alerts for extreme weather.
Beijing experienced its second-hottest day on record Thursday, when temperatures soared to 41.1 degree celsius. It was also the highest temperature ever recorded in China’s capital during the month of June. The city experienced its all-time recorded high of 41.9 degree celsius on the 24th of July, 1999.
Chinese meteorologists say the current heat wave was caused by warm air masses associated with high-pressure ridges in the atmosphere, compounded by thin cloud covers and long daylight hours around the summer solstice. Beijing’s weather authorities urged residents to avoid exercising outdoors for long periods and take measures to shield themselves from the sun.