China’s National Meteorological Center warned that the orange alert covering large parts of the country would continue to be in effect.

Highs for parts of northwestern, northern, and eastern China would rise to over 35 degrees Celsius today. For parts of central and eastern China, temperatures are expected to climb as high as 39 degrees Celsius and perhaps more than 40 degrees, according to the orange alert.

This marks the 18th heat alert since July 7.

This year's hot weather came earlier than usual. Temperatures are also higher and have lasted for a much longer period of time on a much larger scale, making the weather more extreme than before, said Fang Chong, a chief forecaster with the Center.

Fang noted that the extreme weather may linger for another five to seven days. Temperatures are expected to drop in many regions at the end of the month.

In provincial regions including Shanghai, Shaanxi, and Zhejiang, a total of 97 counties and cities have seen temperatures of 40 to 42 degrees Celsius over the past few weeks. Some 18 counties and cities set new record highs. In Xi’an, the provincial capital of Shaanxi, at least three people have died from suspected heat strokes.