A steamy heat wave with high temperatures of 95 to 100 degrees will continue to grip a wide area of central and southern China for at least another two days.

Excessive heat began over mid-north China last Thursday, then settled southward to the Yangtze Basin and other areas of south China at the end of the week.

On Saturday and Sunday, Shanghai reached 100 degrees F, and the stifling humidity made it feel as hot as 110 degrees at times, according to data accessed by AccuWeather.com. Monday was nearly as hot and uncomfortable before a shower brought some relief.

Much farther west, meanwhile, Chongqing had daily highs of 100 to 102 degrees F. Apparent temperatures soared as high as 110 degrees F on Monday.

Sunday’s high of 38.9 degrees C (120 F) was a record high for early July, Xinhua News reported on Monday.

In both cities, which are among the nation’s biggest, nighttime lows were in the sultry 80s.

Looking forward, the excessive heat and humidity will hold sway over areas along and south of the Yangtze River for at least another two days.

AccuWeather.com forecasts are for nearly 100 degrees in Chongqing on Tuesday; Shanghai will likely reach 100 degrees on Wednesday.

More excessive heat will spread over China later in the week, although there will also be outbreaks of cooling thunderstorms.