A heatwave which has been lingering over the capital of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region peaked with the hottest day of the year on Sunday as gale-force winds caused havoc.

The temperature climbed to 38 degrees Celsius as winds of up to moderate gale buffeted the area in a rare combination of weather conditions, according to a local meteorologist.

Huge billboards and trees were blown down by the squall, as residents retreated to air-conditioned rooms and swimming pools during the day. Hospitals were inundated with patients suffering from the heat.

Chief weather officer of the local meteorological station, Wei Rongqing, said a warm high-pressure pattern had brought temperatures up to 41 degrees Celsius to parts of northern Xinjiang, but he forecast the heatwave in the area would diminish in two days.

Experts pointed out that the unusual weather could stunt the growth of crops.

(Xinhua News Agency August 11, 2002)