Many parts of China have been suffering scorching temperatures recently. And experts predict that the hot weather will last for quite a while yet.

Qiao Lin is a senior engineer from the Beijing Climate Center.

"The hot weather is caused by the so called subtropical anticyclone. From mid June to early July, the high-point of subtropical anticyclone should be around 20 degree North Latitude. The subtropical anticyclone leads to abnormal rain patterns followed by unusually hot temperatures. "

During June, the average temperature in China was around 22 degrees Celsius, much higher than during the same period in previous years.

In some parts of China, the mercury has reached up to 42 degrees Celsius. And rainfall in the lower and middle reaches of the Yangtze River decreased by 3 to 5 percent compared with previous years.

Experts predict that in the following 10 days, the soaring temperatures will hit most of the regions south of the Yangtze River. They also warn that drought may occur in some areas.

(CRIENGLISH.com July 6, 2005)