On the morning of 8th July, Chongqing Meteorological Observatory officially issued the first orange-coded heat alert of 2014.

According to the latest data released by the observatory, the average daytime temperature in Chongqing's main urban districts exceeded 37 degrees Celsius, while Kaixian County embraced the highest temperature among all districts at a staggering 39 degrees Celsius.

These high temperatures have lingered in several districts and counties now for the last four consecutive days.

"It is anticipated that a new round of rainfall will ease the lingering heat in Chongqing on Thursday," said Deng Chengzhi, chief weather forecaster with the observatory. (CQNEWS) (Translated by Liu Kan)