CHONGQING (CQNEWS) -- At 11:30 AM on August 28, the Chongqing Meteorological Observatory issued its eighth consecutive red heat warning since August 21. The city is experiencing daily maximum temperatures soaring above 40°C, with no immediate relief in sight.

So, what’s driving this relentless heatwave, and how long will it last? We spoke with Wu Zhengqian, Deputy Chief Forecaster at the Chongqing Meteorological Observatory, to get the answers.

Which places in Chongqing experience the highest temperatures? Any record-breakers?

Chongqing has seen three rounds of extreme heat this August, with the latest still ongoing, said Wu Zhengqian. So far, 31 districts and counties in Chongqing have reported temperatures exceeding 40°C. Jiangjin has endured 13 days of such heat, while the central urban area has faced 11 days. On August 23, Beibei recorded a scorching 43.6°C—the highest temperature in Chongqing this year, though still lower than the historical extreme of 45°C in 2022.

What’s causing this heatwave, and what makes it unique?

This persistent heatwave is primarily driven by the prolonged influence of a subtropical high-pressure system over Chongqing and its neighboring regions.

This year, the subtropical high-pressure system is strong, covers a wide area, and has remained persistently stable. Wu Zhengqian likened the subtropical high to a bath heater, explaining that the combination of descending air currents, clear skies, and intense solar radiation has caused temperatures to climb steadily. Additionally, Chongqing’s location within the Sichuan Basin plays a significant role. The surrounding mountains trap heat, and the basin’s poor ventilation prevents cooler air from circulating. Furthermore, the descending air from mid- and low-level atmospheres adds to the heating effect. In urban areas, the heat island effect exacerbates this situation, making nighttime temperatures noticeably higher than in surrounding districts.

Is this heatwave considered “extreme”?

Since the beginning of August, Chongqing has endured 17 consecutive days of extreme heat, with no end in sight. As of August 27, the average temperature for August in the city has been 30.3°C—2.4°C higher than usual and 1.8°C above last year’s average. This makes it the second hottest August since records began in 1961, surpassed only by August 2022, which saw an average of 33.5°C.

The big question: when will this heatwave end?

The subtropical high-pressure system will likely remain stable for the next ten days, meaning the hot weather is here to stay, said Wu Zhengqian. Most areas in Chongqing can expect daily highs of 37-41°C, with some river valley regions potentially reaching 42-43°C. For the central urban area, temperatures above 40°C are expected for around eight days. (Translated by Yuki, Fathom Language Limited)