CHINA is grappling with extreme weather, as relentless heat scorches the west while heavy rains batter the north. Chongqing Municipality in Southwest China issued a red alert for high temperatures on Monday, marking the sixth consecutive day under China’s highest-level heat warning. According to the Chongqing Meteorological Service, temperatures were expected to exceed 40 degrees Celsius across 36 districts and counties on Monday. Local authorities have urged residents to take precautions, including reducing outdoor activities and staying vigilant against potential fire hazards. Red alert is the highest level in China’s three-tier high-temperature alert system issued when temperatures are forecast to exceed 40 degrees Celsius within 24 hours. In Chengdu, Sichuan Province, authorities issued a red alert early Monday as temperatures are expected to surpass 40 degrees Celsius. This was the fifth consecutive day Chengdu had issued the red alert this year. Meanwhile, heavy rainfall continues to pound northern China, including the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. Tianjin Municipality upgraded its rainstorm alert on Monday morning after experiencing the heaviest rainfall of this year’s flood season. From 7 a.m. on Sunday to Monday noon, the city’s average rainfall reached 78 mm, with a peak of 271.3 mm. On Monday morning, the Hebei provincial meteorological bureau issued an orange alert for heavy rain. Around Monday noon, Hebei upgraded its emergency response to major meteorological disasters (heavy rainfall) to Level II, the second-highest, also the first time this year the province has activated such a warning level for rainfall. (Xinhua) | 