Shanghai's power demand reached a record high on Wednesday as the mercury soared to 38 degrees Celsius again - with no respite from the heat today.

Power demand peaked at 22 million kilowatts at 2:15 PM, the second time the record has been broken this summer, said Shanghai Municipal Electric Company.

The daily high reached 38 degrees in Xuhui District and Pudong New Area, the hottest spots. Highs across most of the city were above 37 degrees, the bureau said.

Forecasters said today's maximum will be 38 degrees and cloudy.

Thunderstorms are expected tomorrow morning, with temperatures dropping slightly to 36, said the bureau.

Weekend highs will be above 35 and a tropical system expected on Monday may bring rain, forecasters said.

By Wednesday, Shanghai had 13 days when temperatures hit over 35 this summer, and 11 to 17 more days are forecast.

(Shanghai Daily July 24, 2008)