The previous record of 35.7 degrees Celsius was first recorded in May 1876 and has only been reached three other times since then, including in 1903, 1915 and 2018, according to state media.

Earlier Monday, the Shanghai Meteorological Bureau issued its first heat alert this year, as temperatures in the city exceeded 35 degrees Celsius for three consecutive days. In all of 2022, Shanghai recorded 50 days above 35 degrees Celsius.

In addition to parts of China, record-breaking heat has also been felt across much of East and Southeast Asia in recent weeks. Experts warn that the heat combined with the smog season will cause pollution levels to spike.

Scientists have long warned that heatwaves will get worse as the impacts of the man-made climate crisis intensify.

Wang Hua, head of the marine monitoring and forecasting department at China's Ministry of Natural Resources, said the temperature of China's coastal waters has also increased significantly due to global warming. Shanghai is located along this coast.

Bui Huy (according to CCTV, CNN)