Extreme heat engulfs Shanghai, red alert issued

The temperature in central Shanghai's Xujiahui area, Xuhui district, reached 40.2 C on Friday afternoon as authorities issued a red alert for extreme heat.

This is the fourth day since July in which temperatures in the city's areas exceeded 40 C.

The three other days were July 10, 13 and 14.

The Shanghai Central Meteorological Observatory issued an orange alert on Friday morning to warn residents about the high temperatures. The observatory issued a red alert at 2:05 pm as temperatures climbed.

There have been 18 days since 1873 in which temperatures in Shanghai exceeded 40 C.