Local governments in many parts of eastern China are taking steps to try to conserve energy in the midst of the heat wave which has seen temperatures in many parts of the region top 40-degrees.

Heat alerts have been issued in a number of cities along the mid and lower reaches of the Yellow River. Parts of Zhejiang and Chongqing have both seen temperatures hit above 40 degrees this week.

Forecasters are warning the high temperatures are going to last through the weekend.

"It's especially hot, it feels like a sauna. I'm sweating a lot."

"Recently It's really hot. I have to turn on air conditioning, day and night. People who go outside get really tanned by the sun."

The Provincial government in Zhejiang has opened up underground air-raid shelters to provide locals a place cools down with free drinking water, cable television and wifi access. On Wednesday afternoon, Hangzhou saw its electrical load exceed 11 million kilowatts. This is 10-percent higher than the same day a year ago.

To ensure the power stays on, the municipal government in Hangzhou has decided to cut off certain street lights. It's also told large companies to initiate their emergency plans for off-peak power consumption.

In Shanghai, a rare red alert for the heat has been issued, with temperatures hovering around 39-degrees, which is the highest in decades.

Doctors are cautioning people to try to reduce their outdoor activities, drink plenty of water and wear hats and long-sleeve shirts to try to prevent sunburn and sunstroke.