BEIJING, July 4 (Xinhuanet) -- Many parts of the country have been in the grip of a heat wave since the past few days. The blue alert for high temperatures issued by meteorological authorities remains in effect across the country.

Temperatures in Shanghai, Zhejiang and some other parts of east China are expected to sizzle at between 37 to 38 degrees Celsius in the coming days. Along with the heat, a new round of rainfall and hailstorms are expected to batter central and north-east China.

To provide some respite to citizens, many provinces have prepared underground shelters for people to escape the summer heat. Bus stations in Hangzhou have been equipped with water sprays to bring down temperatures. Factories have provided free mung bean soup for workers. Citizens in Chongqing chose to eat and play cards in the water.

(Source: cntv.cn)