TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — Beijing and parts of northern China are seeing record temperatures, as authorities urge people to limit their time outdoors.
The China Meteorological Administration reported that the Nanjiao Observatory in southern Beijing on Saturday for the first time recorded temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) for the third consecutive day.
In nearby Hebei province and the port city of Tianjin, temperatures have also climbed above 40 degrees Celsius over the past few days, prompting authorities to issue severe weather “red” alerts.
In China’s four-level weather alert system, red indicates the most severe conditions, those with potential health and safety risks.
Other countries in Asia experienced deadly heat waves In recent weeks, which scientists say has been exacerbated by rising global temperatures, caused in part by the burning of fossil fuels.
Beijing experienced the second-hottest day on record on Thursday, when temperatures soared to 41.1 degrees Celsius (106 Fahrenheit). It was also the hottest temperature ever recorded in the Chinese capital during the month of June.
The city experienced a 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 rising high pressure in the atmosphere, which are exacerbated by thinning cloud covers and long daylight hours around the summer solstice.
The hot weather coincided with a three-day public holiday, the Dragon Boat Festival, dedicated to eating rice dumplings and racing boats propelled by rowing teams.
Beijing meteorological authorities have urged residents to avoid prolonged outdoor exercise and take sun protection measures.
Temperatures in the capital are expected to drop to around 34 degrees Celsius (93 Fahrenheit) on Monday before rising again later next week.
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