Northern China and Beijing hit with intense heatwave

Beijing and multiple regions across northern China are battling with intense heatwaves this week, triggering meteorological authorities to issue orange high-temperature alerts as temperatures soar toward 40 C, posing significant challenges to daily life and public activities.

Beijing upgraded to an orange alert at 9 am on Monday, the second-highest level in China's four-tier warning system, which forecasts high temperatures of 38 C in most of its plain areas from noon to 6 pm on Monday and Tuesday, according to the Beijing Meteorological Service.

Neighboring Hebei province also renewed its orange alert at 11 am on Monday, forecasting extreme heat of 37 to 39 C across the province in the afternoon, the provincial weather authority said.

From Tuesday during the day until Wednesday, in most areas of the province's central and southern regions, the highest temperatures can reach 35 to 38 C, according to the website of Hebei Weather.

With the heatwaves scorching, authorities have rolled out comprehensive guidelines to mitigate health risks.

Beijing Municipal Education Commission has mandated schools to reduce outdoor activities during peak heat, inspect air-conditioning facilities, and ensure adequate hydration.

The extreme temperatures coincide with the capital's high school entrance examination that will be held from Tuesday to Wednesday. During this period, the weather is expected to remain sunny and scorching. Thus, they warned the students, teachers and their parents to take precautions against heatstroke.

In Hebei, residents are advised to avoid direct sunlight, consume electrolyte-rich drinks or light salty water and maintain light diets.