BEIJING — China's national observatory on Aug 23 renewed a red alert for high temperatures, the most severe warning in its four-tier warning system, as heat waves continue in many parts of the country.

During the daytime on Aug 23, parts of Gansu, Shaanxi, Anhui, Jiangsu, Shanghai, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangxi, Zhejiang, Fujian, Sichuan, Chongqing, Guizhou, Guangdong and Guangxi are expected to experience high temperatures of 35 to 39 degrees Celsius, according to the National Meteorological Center.

Temperatures in Shaanxi, Sichuan, Chongqing, Hunan, Jiangxi, Zhejiang and Fujian may exceed 40 degrees Celsius, the meteorological center said.

Local authorities should take emergency measures against heat waves, suspend outdoor work that exposes workers to high temperatures, take precautions when it comes to fire safety, and take particular care of vulnerable groups, the center said.

China has a four-tier, color-coded weather warning system, with red representing the most severe warning, followed by orange, yellow and blue.