Northern China is experiencing its first round of hot weather in the form of a days-long intense heat wave this week, with temperatures reaching above 98 degrees Fahrenheit, and in some provinces, temperatures may reach up to 104 degrees, the country's national observatory warned.

Although hot weather is common in May in the region, the local meteorological authority said that the heat has struck earlier than normal in Beijing this year, China Daily reported.

Officials advised residents to take precautions in the dangerous temperatures as well as to protect themselves against ozone pollution. Photos show bicyclists donning protective masks and cloaks in order to escape the heat.

According to local news outlet XinhuaNet, rainfall over the weekend will help to quell the heat wave.