China Grapples with Widespread Heatwave, Issuing Alerts and Implementing Measures

Tourists were seen in Qianjiang New City, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province on July 3, 2025. Hangzhou had issued an orange heat alert on Thursday.

The National Meteorological Center (NMC) issued an orange alert on Monday morning, warning of temperatures exceeding 40 C in some areas. Regions in southern North China, the Huanghuai region, the Jianghan region, and the Guanzhong Plain in Shaanxi Province may approach or surpass historical extremes. In Hubei Province alone, at least 56 high temperature alerts were issued on Monday morning.

The impact of the high temperatures is expected to expand over the next three days, with Tuesday and Wednesday predicted to have the widest impact and highest intensity, according to the NMC. Chengdu in Sichuan Province issued an orange alert, with high temperatures expected to continue for the next four days. Zhengzhou in Henan Province issued a red alert, with some areas expected to exceed 40 C. Xi'an in Shaanxi Province also issued a red alert, with temperatures potentially exceeding historical extremes.

China utilizes a four-tier color-coded weather warning system, with red being the most severe. Various regions are taking measures to address the high temperatures. For example, in Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, seven civil air defense cooling centers opened to the public on July 1.

Relevant departments in Xi'an are advised to implement emergency measures, including halting some outdoor work. Cooling stations have been established in Shaoguan, Guangdong Province, offering refreshments and rest zones for outdoor workers. Some hospitals in Shanghai have launched evening clinics to provide care for children, and traditional Chinese medicine hospitals have opened summer evening clinics.

Persistent high temperatures are expected in central and southern regions of Hebei Province, the Huanghuai region, and other areas in the coming week, with some areas experiencing highs between 39 C to 42 C. The southern regions will experience particularly humid and hot conditions. The public is advised to take precautions against heat-related illnesses and avoid prolonged outdoor activity during peak temperatures, according to the NMC.