Hunan and Zhejiang issue high-temperature red alert, with maximum temperatures reaching 40°C.

On July 22nd, Hubei Province issued an orange alert for high temperatures, with temperatures expected to exceed 39°C. Hunan and Zhejiang also issued their first red alert for high temperatures this summer, with the main urban areas reaching up to 40°C.

As the saying goes, “If it’s not hot during Minor Heat, it will be scorching during Major Heat.” Major Heat marks the end of summer and is usually the hottest time of the year. On July 22nd, just entering Major Heat, the Wuhan Central Meteorological Observatory in Hubei Province issued an orange alert for high temperatures. Apart from the high-altitude areas like Shennongjia and Enshi, most parts of the province will see temperatures rise above 37°C, with some areas exceeding 39°C.

The Hunan Provincial Meteorological Observatory also issued a red alert for high temperatures. From 8 p.m. on July 22nd to 8 p.m. on July 23rd, cities like Changsha, Zhuzhou, Xiangtan, Hengyang, northeastern Shaoyang, Yueyang, Changde, Zhangjiajie, Yiyang, northern Chenzhou, northern Huaihua, most of Loudi, and northeastern parts of Xiangxi Prefecture will experience temperatures above 39°C, with some areas exceeding 40°C.

The Hangzhou Meteorological Observatory in Zhejiang also issued a warning, forecasting that due to the subtropical high-pressure system, temperatures in the main urban areas of Hangzhou could reach around 40°C today.

The ongoing high temperatures have increased the risks of heatstroke and fires to the highest level. Netizens commented: “33 degrees is already unbearable, not to mention 39 degrees.” “It’s so hot that I stay indoors all weekend, afraid to go out.” “It was boiling a while ago, now it’s like reducing sauce, and next it will be dry frying.” “It’s so hot that I thought my air conditioner was broken, why isn’t it working as well as before.” “I used to have fair skin, now I’m like charcoal.”