High temperatures scorch China, power demand surges | Real Time Headlines

As temperatures continue to rise, high temperatures are expected to persist in various parts of China, especially in the eastern region, Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces, and the financial center of Shanghai.

According to CCTV, temperatures in Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Shanghai, Anhui, and Xinjiang in eastern and northwestern China have recently reached temperatures as high as 43.9 degrees Celsius (111.02 degrees Fahrenheit).

The China Meteorological Administration said that temperatures in some areas such as the Turpan Basin in Xinjiang, southern Anhui, and central and western Zhejiang may rise to above 40°C.

The meteorological observatory in Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang province, recorded a record high temperature of 41.9 degrees Celsius on Saturday, with temperatures expected to reach 40 to 42 degrees Celsius on Monday.

After the daily maximum temperatures at seven national weather stations exceeded local historical extremes, many areas around the Yangtze River Delta are expected to experience scorching weather above 37°C in the next few days.

The high temperature weather that has lasted for more than a week has further intensified, and the Jiangsu Provincial Meteorological Observatory issued a high temperature red warning on Sunday. According to CCTV reports, temperatures in Wuxi, Changzhou, Zhenjiang and other cities may reach 40 degrees Celsius.

In such hot weather, higher electricity usage is required as many people rely on air conditioners to stay cool. A surge in electricity demand could lead to a supply crunch.

As summer temperatures rise, Zhejiang State Grid has recommended electric vehicle owners to charge late at night since last month to stagger daily peak power consumption times.

It also advises people to turn off their air conditioners during milder temperatures.

The National Weather Service warned on Monday that excessive use of electricity and overloading electricity could lead to fires.