Beijing issues red alert for high temperatures

A tourist shields herself from the sunshine with a paper bag at the Temple of Heaven in Beijing, capital of China, June 23, 2023. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)

BEIJING, June 23 (Xinhua) -- Beijing issued a red alert for high temperatures on Friday, the highest in China's alert system, as a scorching heatwave hit the city.

Beijing's weather station issued the red alert at 7 a.m., forecasting peak temperatures ranging from 37 to 40 degrees Celsius in most areas of the city from Friday to Sunday.

The city's administration of emergency response advised residents to reduce outdoor activities and suspend working outdoors during the peak-temperature period.

The city will see the peak temperature dropping to about 34 degrees Celsius on Monday, according to the station.

China has a three-tier, color-coded warning system for high temperatures, with red representing the most severe, followed by orange and yellow. ■