The national observatory on Friday issued an alert for high temperatures in many parts of the country and forecast particularly heavy rains and rainstorms in certain areas in southwestern Sichuan province.

On Friday, vast swathes of the country spanning multiple provinces and regions were affected by high temperatures ranging from 37 to 39 degrees Celsius.

In particular, some areas in Xinjiang, Shaanxi, Shandong, Henan, Anhui, Hubei and Zhejiang will see temperatures exceeding 40 degrees, according to the National Meteorological Centre.

The centre, notably, has advised reducing outdoor activities and taking precautionary measures against the heat in affected locations.

It also issued a rainstorm alert, saying heavy rains and rainstorms are expected to hit parts of Sichuan, Yunnan, Gansu, Inner Mongolia, Shaanxi, Shanxi and Beijing from Friday afternoon to Saturday afternoon. (Xinhua)