WUHAN-- Extremely hot weather is expected to hit central China's Hubei Province Thursday, local meteorological authorities said.

The meteorological observatory of the provincial capital Wuhan issued its first red alert this year for high temperatures on Wednesday.

It predicted that most parts of the province will see temperatures greater than 37 degrees Celsius, while the four cities of Huangshi, Xianning, Huanggang, and Ezhou will likely see temperatures higher than 40 degrees Celsius.

The Hubei Provincial Meteorological Bureau has launched an emergency response to the extreme weather.

Hot weather has been lingering in central China since July, causing drinking water shortages and affecting agricultural output.

China uses a three-tier color-coded warning system for high temperatures, with red representing the hottest weather, followed by orange and yellow.

The dry, cracked bottom of a pond after prolonged hot weather in Suizhou city of Hubei province on Aug 7, 2013. [Photo/Xinhua]