Sharjah24 - Reuters: Searing summer heat waves are expected to return this week across large parts of China, lasting through late August, the state weather forecaster said, despite brief interludes of seasonal rain.
Temperatures from 39 degrees Celsius to 42 degrees Celsius (102.2°F to 107.6°F) are expected in the southern region after July 20, including the provinces of Jiangxi, Zhejiang and Fujian, the China Meterological Administration said on Sunday.
Despite some weekend respite for provinces such as Hebei, Hunan, Hubei, Guizhou and Jiangxi, maximum temperatures elsewhere are expected to hover over 37 degrees Celsius (98.6°F).
The sweltering heat will last from July 16 to Aug. 24 nationwide for an "extended period" of 40 days, up from the usual 30, the forecaster said on its website.
The so-called "sanfu", or "three periods of laying low" during China's summer refers to three annual 10-day stretches between July and August when temperatures and humidity peak.
But this year, the second phase is expected to run for 20 days from July 26 to Aug. 14, the forecaster said.
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