An unrelenting heatwave is gripping the Chinese mainland, prompting meteorologists to sound the alarm. At 06:00 on Thursday, the National Meteorological Center renewed an orange alert, predicting daytime temperatures above 35°C in many regions.
In northwestern Shaanxi Province, eight weather stations recorded all‐time high temperatures on Tuesday, leading to red alerts in cities such as Xi'an, Baoji, Xianyang, Weinan, Hanzhong, and Ankang. Meanwhile, in Shanxi Province’s Yuncheng City, alerts were upgraded to the highest red level. There, innovative measures like street spraying, free water, and air-conditioned rest stations have been introduced to help residents cope with outdoor temperatures exceeding 42°C.
Turpan—a city in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region famously nicknamed the "fire stove"—faces even more extreme conditions. With forecasts predicting highs over 45°C from Wednesday to Sunday, local authorities have ramped up police patrols and set up cooling stations to keep traffic safe and residents comfortable.
Central regions aren’t spared either. In Zhengzhou, Henan Province, orange alerts prompted the implementation of staggered work shifts to protect outdoor laborers amid the soaring temperatures. The National Early Warning Center reports that, as of Wednesday noon, over 20,248 high-temperature alerts had been issued nationwide—a significant increase compared to previous years.
Relief might be on the horizon as meteorologists forecast a cold front and scattered rainfall starting Thursday in eastern areas. Following Friday, temperatures are expected to decline rapidly from north to south, although provinces like Henan and Hubei might still experience lingering heat. Stay cool and safe, everyone! ☀️💧
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
