Shanghai is sweltering under scorching temperatures, with authorities issuing high-temperature alerts as the intense heat has driven up electricity use, ice sales and hospital visits.
Shanghai issued its first red alert for high-temperature this year on August 1, with a second red alert following the next day.
On Friday morning, Shanghai's power grid load surpassed 40 million kilowatts for the first time, setting a new record. Authorities adjusted the high-temperature alert to orange on Sunday morning, with temperatures expected to exceed 37 degrees Celsius in most parts of the city.
In addition to the surge in electricity consumption, there has been increased demand for ice. Workers at the Yuhu Ice Factory in Songjiang District are now working overtime to produce the valuable commodity.
"I make deliveries at least twice a day, sometimes three or four times. I am mainly responsible for deliveries to markets in the Songjiang District, the old city area," said Ye Laiyi, a driver of an ice truck.
According to the ice factory, its daily production exceeds 3,200 blocks, equivalent to over 160 tons. The ice blocks are primarily supplied to supermarkets, seafood markets, vegetable markets and factory workshops.
As the heatwave persists, Shanghai hospitals are experiencing a peak in emergency room visits. Doctors noted that elderly individuals with cardiovascular or respiratory conditions are particularly vulnerable to illnesses during this ongoing period of extreme heat.
"Most of the patients with heart disease, lung infections or chest discomfort are elderly individuals," said Wang Qi, head nurse at the emergency department of a local hospital.
High temperatures spark surge in electric use, ice sales, hospital visits in Shanghai
High temperatures spark surge in electric use, ice sales, hospital visits in Shanghai
