Temperatures are expected to reach 40 degrees Celsius in Shanghai today, making the city one of the four hottest in China, according to the state weather center.

The highest temperature exceeded 37 degrees Celsius in Shanghai on Monday. [Photo/Xinhua]

Hangzhou, Chongqing and Fuzhou are bracing for their hottest days so far this year, according to the center.

Hangzhou is forecast to have three consecutive days of 40 degrees.

Shanghai will also continue to be hot and dry this week with maximum temperatures over the next three to four days above 39 degrees.

High temperatures have been baking the country’s southern regions since July, causing water shortages and problems with growing crops.

Official data showed that nearly 4 million hectares of farmland have been affected by droughts as of August 5, with 4.5 million people short of drinking water.

Weather authorities forecast the heat will last until the middle of this month.

The central government has ordered local authorities to step up drought monitoring and asked them to submit related work plans to the State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters by tomorrow.

Severe thunderstorms which could bring strong winds or hail are due to affect parts of the Sichuan Basin, east regions of Gansu Province, south-central Shanxi Province and northeastern China from today.

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