China melts as mercury level soars; see pics

Several Chinese regions including Xinjiang and Fujian facing record high temperatures as intense heat waves were sweeping across many regions of the country. From wearing jackets with fans, and sitting on ice blocks to roaming shirtless, people are bracing for severe heat during high-temperature periods. 

Cities across China were on red alert for heatwaves, as tens of millions of people were warned to stay indoors and record temperatures strained energy supply. Credit: Reuters Photo

Swathes of the planet have been hit by extreme and deadly heatwaves in recent months, from Western Europe in July to India in March to April. Credit: Reuters Photo

Scientists say the extreme weather has become more frequent due to climate change, and will likely grow more intense as global temperatures continue to rise. Credit: Reuters Photo

China is no exception and is sweating through one of its hottest summers on record. Credit: Reuters Photo

Employees move ice blocks onto a truck at Shanghai Yuhu ice-making factory, amid a heatwave warning in Shanghai, China. Credit: Reuters Photo

People in areas under red heat alerts -- mostly concentrated in the southeast and northwest -- are being ordered to

In the eastern provinces of Zhejiang and Fujian, the mercury rose above 41 degrees Celsius (106 degrees Fahrenheit) over the weekend, reaching all-time highs in two cities. Credit: Reuters Photo

It is also suggested that people working outside in the heat should take frequent breaks. Credit: Reuters Photo

People are seen wearing clothing with cooling fans on a street, amid a heatwave warning in Shanghai, China. Credit: Reuters Photo

A medical worker wearing a protective suit sits with ice blocks at a nucleic acid testing site during preparations to test residents for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), amid a heatwave warning in Nanchang, Jiangxi province, China. Credit: Reuters Photo

A woman uses a fan as she wears a cloth that protects her from the sun on a street, amid a heatwave warning in Shanghai, China. Credit: Reuters Photo