The heat wave in eastern and southern areas of China over the past week is expected to continue for another 10 days.

The National Meteorological Center continued its heat alert on Wednesday, while authorities in Shanghai and Hubei province raised their heat alerts, as temperatures there were expected to exceed 40 C.

"The recent heat, caused by a subtropical high, is noted for its wide scope, high intensity and long duration," said Ma Xuekuan, the center's chief forecaster.