Chongqing Municipality in southwest China issued a red alert on Thursday for high temperatures, the highest level in the country’s high-temperature alert system.
Thirty districts and counties in Chongqing are expected to see temperatures surpass 40 degrees Celsius between 1:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. on Thursday.
The alert is according to the Chongqing Meteorological Service.
The meteorological department has advised people in those areas to guard against fires and to reduce outdoor activities.
Chongqing has been enduring a heatwave since earlier this week, with orange alerts, the second-highest level for high temperatures, issued for Tuesday and Wednesday.
Red is the highest level in China’s three-tier high-temperature alert system, followed by orange and yellow.
A red alert is issued when temperatures are forecast to exceed 40 degrees Celsius within 24 hours.
The megacity of Chongqing is dubbed the “furnace city’’ due to its scorching summers.
