Dual metropolises in SW China issue heat alerts

CHONGQING/CHENGDU, July 15 (Xinhua) -- Chongqing Municipality, and Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province, both in southwest China, have issued heat alerts with temperatures forecast to soar as high as 40 degrees Celsius in the region.

Chengdu Meteorological Observatory issued its high-temperature orange alert, the second highest, at 10 a.m. Tuesday, forecasting temperatures across multiple districts exceeding 38 degrees Celsius in the afternoon, adding that the heatwave is expected to persist for three days.

Concurrently, Chongqing escalated to the highest red alert at 11:30 a.m., with temperatures in 34 districts and counties under its administration projected to surpass 40 degrees Celsius on Tuesday. Seven additional districts and counties anticipate temperatures above 37 degrees Celsius.

Authorities in both cities have enforced precautionary measures, such as critical fire prevention protocols for forests, tourist sites, and power facilities. The public are urged to minimize outdoor activities to avoid heatstroke. ■