Beijing experienced what seemed to be its highest recorded temperature in June, as per weather data and local media reports. This scorching heatwave affected a large area of northern China with temperatures reaching 40 degrees Celsius.
Scientists attribute these soaring temperatures to the rising global temperatures caused by the burning of fossil fuels. Heatwaves and record-breaking temperatures have been observed in many Asian countries in recent weeks.
At the Nanjiao weather station in southern Beijing, a benchmark for tracking temperatures in the capital, the mercury hit 41.1 degrees Celsius at 3:19 pm on Thursday. This temperature surpasses the station’s previous record of 40.6 degrees Celsius set in June 1961.
“Today has become one of Beijing’s hottest days since complete records have been available,” reported the state-backed media outlet.
Other weather stations in Beijing recorded even higher temperatures, with Tanghekou reaching 41.8 degrees Celsius, making it the hottest place in the country.
China’s national weather service has yet to confirm whether these temperatures broke official records.
Residents in Beijing sought relief from the sweltering heat by swimming and splashing around in the city’s canals.
The heatwave extended to Tianjin, where the city center experienced its hottest June day ever, reaching 40.6 degrees Celsius in the Xiqing district.
The National Meteorological Center reported that a total of 17 weather stations across the country recorded record high temperature extremes on Thursday.
“It never used to get this hot in June before, but now it’s so hot my hands are trembling,” wrote one user on the Weibo social media platform.
“Are there three suns blazing over Beijing right now? It’s hot enough to cause a breakdown,” wrote another.
Holiday heat
The extreme heat coincided with the Dragon Boat Festival, a popular time for outdoor activities and socializing in China.
The high temperatures are expected to persist throughout the three-day public holiday, especially in and around Beijing, as well as parts of Inner Mongolia and Xinjiang.
“These current high-temperature weather systems are affecting large areas and persisting for a long time,” reported state broadcaster CCTV on Thursday.
Authorities have issued warnings about the heightened risk of heatstroke and other health problems, urging people to limit their time outdoors.
Beijing’s weather authority issued an orange warning for extreme heat, advising people to avoid outdoor exercise for extended periods and take measures to protect themselves from the sun.
In Tianjin, where an orange alert was also in place, officials urged the general public to remain aware and take precautions against heat-induced strokes.
Last week, Beijing broke its mid-June temperature record, with the mercury hitting 39.4 degrees Celsius, prompting weather officials to advise people to stay indoors.
© 2023 AFP
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Shambhu Kumar is a science communicator, making complex scientific topics accessible to all. His articles explore breakthroughs in various scientific disciplines, from space exploration to cutting-edge research.
