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City’s soaring temperatures likely to trigger summer’s first red alert
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THE heatwave that is roasting Shanghai will continue for the rest of the month, Zhang Ruiyi, chief forecaster with the city’s weather bureau, said yesterday.
Today will likely see temperatures sizzling to 40 degrees Celsius and this year’s first red alert — the highest level in a three-tier system — forecasting highs of 40 degrees or more.
That heat will continue to Monday with even the lowest temperatures rising to 31 degrees from Sunday.
Under a red heatwave alert, outdoor work, except in an emergency, must be suspended.
This year’s first “summer heat” lasted four days, with the July 5 to 8 period recording an average 36.4 degrees. The second, which is ongoing, began on July 11, with the July 14 the year’s hottest day so far at 39.7 degrees.
Zhang said a typhoon would be forming on the South China Sea over the next two days, but it won’t affect Shanghai. However, two other typhoons are expected in the city this summer, with the first due to bring temperatures down sometime in August.
“This summer has been so hot because a subtropical high is strong and stable while typhoons are less and weak. Also, wind blowing from the southwest heats up the ground,” Zhang said.
Shanghai is getting hotter. The average temperature for summer in the 1980s was 27.5 degrees, rising to 28.2 degrees in the 1990s, and 29.3 degrees since the year 2000.
Residents who want to escape the blistering heat are advised to check out coastal areas in Chongming, Baoshan, Fengxian and Jinshan districts.
There, they will be able to enjoy the relative coolness brought by an east wind blowing in from the sea.
Dishui Lake in the Pudong New Area is also a favored destination. Sometimes its temperature is 4 to 5 degrees lower than elsewhere. The downside is that it suffers from unsettled weather conditions, and scattered thunderstorms are not unknown.
The heat can be a problem for outdoor workers, children and the elderly.
Zhongshan Hospital’s Qingpu District branch has treated several people for sunstroke, mostly construction workers, street cleaners and express delivery riders.
In one case, a construction worker collapsed after being out in the open air for three hours straight. He is receiving emergency treatment, according to the hospital.
It has also seen a spike in accidental injuries, triggered by fights or traffic accidents, as people are more easily irritated in the extreme heat and failing to exercise proper judgment.
To better cope with the weather, residents are advised to stay indoors between 10am and 4pm and, when outdoors, wear sunglasses, and use an umbrella as shade.
Shanghai’s rescue stations have stepped up patrols.
Patrols in key areas have been increased and homeless people and beggars will be able to eat, get washed and rest at these stations during the scorching weather, the Shanghai Civil Affairs Bureau said.
Residents are urged to dial 12319, 962200 or 12345 if they spot homeless people or beggars out on the street who look like they might need help.
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