Sizzling summer tops the record list

High of 44 C as heat brings deaths, drought, power and water shortages

Meteorologists have labeled this summer the hottest since nationwide records began in 1951, with nearly half of China's population sweltering in a prolonged heat wave.

A record-breaking 44 C was registered on Sunday in Xinchang, Zhejiang province, and the National Meteorological Center issued an orange alert for a record 21st straight day.