Extreme summer weather continues to threaten parts of China and India. According to Reuters, several of China’s northern and central provinces faced record temperatures this week, at the same time severe drought in the eastern provinces threatens crop production.
China’s National Meteorological Administration (CMA) says the country has experienced consistent high temperatures, citing the northern Hebei province which was predicted to reach a high of 42 degrees Celsius Wednesday.
The CMA warned that continued high temperatures could endanger energy supply, grain production, and public health. The country’s Hebei and Shandong provinces experienced record seasonal high temperatures throughout the first 10 days of June. The heat is predicted to continue in northern China until June 20, when several provinces may again set record highs.
Northern India is also experiencing an extended severe heat wave, with temperatures exceeding 50 degrees Celsius in late May. On June 1 the Indian CDC announced 25,000 cases of heatstroke and 56 deaths since March 1.
In April, record temperatures affected much of Asia, killing hundreds, damaging crops, and forcing school closures, with this year still set to be the hottest on record in many places around the world. Taiwan is no exception to this trend, with many areas under severe heat warnings in the last week alone. The public should remain vigilant and take appropriate measures to keep cool as summer temperatures continue to soar.