Eastern China Swelters Under Record-Breaking Heat Wave

Eastern China is experiencing a prolonged heat wave, with temperatures reaching up to 43.9°C. Major cities including Hangzhou and Shanghai are expected to endure excessive heat for the next 10 days. The extreme temperatures are resulting in increased electricity demand and potential supply issues. Chinese meteorologists attribute the intense heat to global warming and the La Nina phenomenon.

Eastern China is gripped by a severe heat wave as temperatures remain alarmingly high, particularly in coastal cities across Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces. Forecasters predict the intense heat will persist for up to 10 days, raising concerns about public health and energy consumption.

In recent days, regions including Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Shanghai, Anhui, and Xinjiang have experienced temperatures soaring to 43.9°C, according to state broadcaster CCTV. Hangzhou, Zhejiang's provincial capital, recorded a historic high of 41.9°C. The city, home to 12.5 million people, faces continuous 40°C+ temperatures through August 11.

Chinese meteorologists link the extreme heat to heightened continental temperatures from global warming and cooler-than-average sea surface temperatures due to the La Nina phenomenon. This year's heat follows China's warmest spring since 1961 and its hottest May, which caused drought-like conditions impacting central China's agriculture.

The relentless heat has surged electricity consumption, mainly due to increased air-conditioning use, heightening risks of power supply shortages. Zhejiang's State Grid encourages electric vehicle owners to charge their vehicles at night and residents to use air-conditioning sparingly. The national weather forecaster has warned of potential fire hazards from excessive electricity use.

As heat warnings remain in effect, temperatures above 37°C are expected around the Yangtze River delta. Some areas reported historical high temperatures, prompting Jiangsu's observatory to issue a red heat alert. Hangzhou is set to break its record with 10 consecutive days of 40°C+ heat.