Record temperatures in China prompt heat warning

A Man fries fish on the road in the heat. Image: Xinhua

An emergency level-two nationwide heat alert has been issued in China for the first time, after temperatures in parts of the country hit record highs. In Shanghai, at least ten people have died from heatstroke, as the city experiences its hottest July for 140 years, state media reports. According to figures from the Shanghai Meteorological bureau, the city has seen 24 days of temperatures 35 degrees or above. Chief service officer Wu Rui said: "It should be a new record since Shanghai had its own weather recording". The national heat alert, which was issued on Tuesday, covers nine provinces across China. The China Meteorological Administration has urged members of the public to avoid outdoor activities and to take protective measures against the heat. Local journalists have demonstrated the heat in Shanghai by frying meat on the pavement, saying in a TV report for state media that they successfully fried a pork chop in just 10 minutes. They appear to have started a craze, with photos being posted online of bacon and fish being barbecued outside by the heat.