Beijing temperatures near record as extreme heat sweeps northern China

Beijing on Thursday appeared to log its hottest June temperature since reliable records began, according to weather data and local media reports, as swathes of northern China sweltered in 40-degree heat.

Scientists say rising global temperatures—caused largely by burning fossil fuels—are aggravating extreme weather worldwide, and many countries in Asia have experienced deadly heatwaves and record temperatures in recent weeks.

At the Nanjiao weather station in southern Beijing, considered a benchmark for temperatures in the capital, the mercury hit 41.1 degrees Celsius (106 degrees Fahrenheit) at 3:19 pm (0719 GMT) on Thursday, the local Beijing News reported, citing an information service operated by the national weather bureau.

The figure is half a degree higher than the station’s previous record of 40.6 C taken in June 1961, according to the state-backed media outlet.

“Today has become one of Beijing’s hottest days since complete records have been available,” the outlet said.

Other weather stations around the capital chalked up even higher temperatures, with Tanghekou in northern Beijing notching 41.8 C early Thursday afternoon, becoming the hottest place in the country, according to state media.

China’s national weather service did not immediately confirm whether official temperature records had been breached.

Along Beijing’s canals, residents sought respite from the searing heat by swimming and splashing around in the water.

In nearby Tianjin—home to over 13 million people—temperatures in the city center also soared, with the western Xiqing district logging its hottest ever June day with 40.6 C.

Nationwide, some 17 weather stations “recorded record high temperature extremes” on Thursday, according to the National Meteorological Center (NMC).

“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 scorching heat has coincided with the Dragon Boat Festival, a time when many Chinese go outside and socialize.

High temperatures are forecast to persist across northern China throughout the three-day public holiday, especially around Beijing and parts of the Inner Mongolia and Xinjiang regions.

“These current high-temperature weather systems are affecting large areas and persisting for a long time,” state broadcaster CCTV said Thursday.

Authorities have urged people to limit their time outdoors and warned of the heightened risk of heatstroke and other health complaints.

Beijing’s weather authority issued an orange warning for extreme heat and urged people to “avoid exercising outdoors for long periods… and take effective measures to shield from the sun”.

In Tianjin, where an orange alert was also in place, officials said the “general public (should) remain aware and take precautions” against heat-induced strokes.

Last week, Beijing recorded its highest temperature for mid-June, with weather officials warning the public to stay indoors as the mercury hit 39.4 C.

© 2023 AFP