Large parts of China have been experiencing extreme temperatures since mid-June, some of which have lasted up to 30 days. The country is suffering under a record-breaking heat wave. It is the worst heat wave since records began in 1961. More than 260 weather stations measured temperatures of over 40 degrees – in some cases, the thermometer rose above 44 degrees. On the Yangtze, Asia’s largest river, there has been 45 percent less rainfall than the average in recent years. Authorities announced the severe drought along the river could last well into September.