Beijing Issues 'Red Alert' Ahead of Heatwave

Facts

• On Friday, with temperatures expected to soar to 40°C (104°F), Beijing issued a red warning, the highest warning level in its classification system.¹
• The warning comes as the city of millions saw temperatures rise to 41.1°C (106.0°F) on Thursday. The scorching temperature is the second-highest in Beijing's recorded history, coming in just under 41.9°C (107.42°F), set on July 24, 1999.²
• The China Meteorological Administration issued the warning using its classification system which assigns colored tiers — red, the most alarming, followed by orange, yellow, and blue — indicating that temps around or above 40°C (104°F) can be expected within 24 hours. According to the Administration, residents shouldn't expect relief from the extreme heat for the next eight to 10 days.³
• Neighboring areas are expected to see extremely high temperatures as well. The Hebei province is expected to see temps between 37°-39°C (98°-102°F), and large urban hubs Shijiazhuang, Xiongan New Area, and Xingtai are likely to see temps reach 42°C (107°F).⁴
• A resident, using the online platform Weibo said, "This weather is not human and it is only the month of June!" Other residents have been seen walking through the city wearing protective measures like visors and masks.⁵
• As residents brave the extreme heat they may face challenges with the electricity supply necessary for cooling. The high temps and drought from 2022 severely decreased the available water in reservoirs which directly impacts the country's ability to generate hydropower.⁶

Sources: ¹India Today, ²Deccan Herald, ³Reuters, ⁴South China Morning Post, ⁵Arab News, and ⁶CNN.

Narratives

• Anti-China narrative, as provided by Fast Company. In 2022, China saw a prolonged period in which temps skyrocketed over 37°C/100°F, reaching as high as 45°C/113°F. The brutal heat's cascading effects spurred wildfires and led to the shuttering of major industries to conserve power. Agriculture wilted and shoes literally melted on the sidewalks. China's answer was to burn more coal to fuel cooling strategies, no doubt exacerbating climate change that will lead to more extreme heat down the road. Simply put, the PRC must plan ahead and scout better and more eco-friendly solutions.
• Pro-China narrative, as provided by South China Morning Post. Of all the world's nations facing extreme heat, China is the most prepared. The country has been quick to learn from previous experiences with power shortages and has since mitigated the risks by investing in new gas-fired power plants and more efficient transmission lines. According to experts, its future-proofing will prove fruitful for the country as temperatures continue to soar. Other world governments, including the US, would do well to learn from the PRC's experience and leadership in extreme heat preparation and mitigation efforts.

Predictions