China weather authorities issued an extreme heat warning as dozens of burn injuries are reported due to the record-breaking temperatures continuing to plague southern and eastern China.

A recent victim, 77-year-old man surnamed Shen, suffered serious asphalt burns after he passed out unconscious while pedaling his tricycle and lay on a road for two hours in Yuyao, East China's Zhejiang Province before he was discovered.

Shen, who is currently receiving medical treatment at 113 Hospital of the People's Liberation Army for second- and third-degree burns over 22 percent of his body, Zhejiang-based Xiandai Jinbao reported on August 6.

Weng Xuhao, chief burn physician at the hospital, explained human skin burns upon touching surfaces over 45 C.

Other recent cases involve a man surnamed Li, 29, from Shandong Province who suffered second-degree asphalt burns on his feet after fighting with a driver while barefoot over a traffic accident Yiwu, Zhejiang Province on August 5, the Zhejiang-based Dushi Kuaibao reported.

According to the meteorological bureau in Yiwu, road surface temperatures reached 55.8 C on August 5.

The China Central Meteorological Center warns temperatures are reaching extreme levels, especially in South China, where seven provinces and municipalities including Hunan, Hubei and Chongqing may experience temperatures over 40 C over the coming days, CRI reported.

Web editor: gelili@globaltimes.com.cn