Chongqing issues first red alert for high temperature this year

Chongqing Municipality in southwest China issued its first red alert for high temperatures this year on Tuesday.

China has a three-tier, color-coded high temperature warning system, with red representing the most severe warning, followed by orange and yellow.

Prior to this, Chongqing's meteorological department had issued an orange alert for the heat for eight consecutive days.

The forecast from the meteorological department shows that from 13:00 to 20:00 Tuesday, the highest temperature in 31 districts and counties including Yuzhong and Shapingba will reach 40 to 42 degrees Celsius.

The meteorological department reminds all the regions to take precautions against heatstroke and drowning, and to be vigilant against fire risks in forest areas, scenic spots, towns, and ancient streets. The public is advised to minimize outdoor activities, and outdoor work is recommended to be suspended.

Tokyo stocks ended higher on Tuesday, buoyed by bargain-hunting in some heavyweight technology shares.

The benchmark 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average ended up 500.77 points, or 0.74 percent, from Monday at 67,743.50.

The broader Topix index finished 31.49 points, or 0.79 percent, higher at 4,038.98. On the top-tier Prime Market, mining, marine transportation, and chemical issues were notable gainers.

The market swung between gains and losses amid growing concern over oil supplies after U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington was reinstating a naval blockade on Iran in the Strait of Hormuz.

Analysts said persistent uncertainty surrounding the Middle East conflict, coupled with higher oil prices, is keeping investors cautious.

Heavyweight semiconductor and artificial intelligence-related shares initially tracked overnight losses on Wall Street, dragging the Nikkei index down by nearly 1,000 points at one stage.

However, bargain-hunting emerged following recent declines, lifting the market to end in positive territory.