Experts have quashed public speculation that Shanghai's 10-day stretch of wet weather is linked to the solar eclipse.

Since the eclipse on July 22, Shanghai and neighboring cities have been drenched in heavy rain, prompting speculation among some people that the eclipse influenced the local climate.

Tang Haiming, chief of the popular science department at Songjiang District Sheshan Observatory, said there was no link between the July 22 eclipse and the wet weather.

Tang said solar activity does influence the climate, but the impact is global, such as atmospheric circulation, and is not limited to particular areas.

Meanwhile, the heat wave in Guangdong will end when rain hits much of the province tomorrow.

"A tropical depression will lead to a sharp drop in temperatures and heavy rains in the province's coastal areas, helping ease the heat," said Huang Zhong, chief forecaster in the Guangdong provincial weather bureau.

There are currently heat alerts in 37 cities in the province, which suffered scorching weather last weekend.

Dabu county recorded the highest temperature, with the mercury rising to 39.6 C on Sunday.

In Guangzhou the temperature reached 37.1 C, the highest recorded this year.

The provincial weather authority said the heat wave would continue today. The highest temperature is predicted to reach 39 C in the central and northern areas.

The provincial flood control and disaster relief headquarters is warning authorities about predicted rain and strong winds this month.

"A number of large-scale rainstorms are expected throughout the month, as well as one or two strong tropical cyclones," Huang told China Daily.

Meanwhile, severe storms hit southwest China's Chongqing Municipality yesterday with streets of the city inundated.

Local meteorological bureau has issued an orange warning for storms in the coming three days.

(China Daily August 4, 2009)