Chongqing Municipality in Southwest China has reached a critical point in its battle against the summer heat, issuing a red alert—the highest level in the country's high-temperature alert system.
The Chongqing Meteorological Service announced that thirty districts and counties are expected to experience temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. this Thursday. This marks the peak of the nation's high-temperature warnings, emphasizing the severity of the current heatwave.
Residents are urged to take necessary precautions to prevent fires and minimize outdoor activities during these extreme conditions. The meteorological department has emphasized the importance of staying hydrated and avoiding unnecessary travel during the hottest parts of the day.
This red alert follows a series of orange alerts earlier in the week, highlighting a persistent heatwave affecting the region. Chongqing, often dubbed the 'furnace city' for its notoriously hot summers, is no stranger to extreme temperatures, but this latest surge underscores the growing challenges posed by climate change.
As the city navigates this intense heat, authorities are closely monitoring the situation to ensure public safety and mitigate the impacts of the soaring temperatures. The local government has also ramped up measures to provide relief to vulnerable populations, including opening cooling centers and distributing water to areas most affected by the heat.
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Southwest China's Chongqing issues red alert for high temperatures
cgtn.com