People have deserted the scorching streets of Changchun, capital of Jilin Province in northeast China, as indoor temperatures soar to 33.5 degrees Celsius.

Sales of umbrellas, sunglasses and anti-sunburn goods have boomed and some are even in short supply.

Beverage factories are busy making cold drinks, but still cannot meet the demand. "We need a more powerful compressor now," said a worried director.

Air conditioners are humming away in public places such as supermarkets and work places, and people tend to take taxis with air conditioning.

The number of hospital patients has increased in the heatwave. Seldom experiencing such hot days, people mistake heatstroke for colds, according to doctors.

Doctors also warn people to avoid outdoor activities and eat more salty food.

Fortunately, the heatwave will end with rainfall expected in a few days, according to the local meteorological forecast.

(Xinhua News Agency July 31, 2002)