Heatwave hits Taiwan

TAIPEI, June 19 (Xinhua) -- A heatwave swept the island of Taiwan on Wednesday, raising the temperature in the city of Taipei to 36.7 degrees Celsius, a record high of the year, meteorological authorities said.

Temperatures across Taiwan mostly rose to the range between 33 and 36 degrees Celsius. The temperature in the county of Taitung reached 37.3 degrees Celsius and could further rise to 38 degrees, authorities said.

Residents have been warned of heatstrokes and advised to take precaution against strong ultraviolet rays.