A relentless heatwave is sweeping through northern China, with temperatures soaring above 40°C, creating a perilous situation for outdoor workers and residents alike. The blistering conditions, exacerbated by unprecedented humidity, have turned cities like Beijing into virtual furnaces, forcing thousands to grapple with the oppressive heat.

As delivery drivers—crucial to urban life—navigate the sweltering streets, they face grueling 12-hour shifts under the punishing sun. Many, like Lee Y, are taking desperate refuge in the scant shade of shopping centers, battling fatigue and dehydration. “It’s really hot. I just take a break in the shade wherever I can,” he laments, underscoring the harrowing reality for those who keep the wheels of the economy turning during this extreme weather.

Authorities are scrambling to respond, establishing cooling centers in subway stations and malls to offer relief to those without air conditioning. However, for outdoor laborers, the situation remains dire. Construction sites are mandated to close when temperatures exceed 37°C, but delivery services are in high demand, forcing workers to push through the heat.

Experts warn that this extreme weather is becoming the new normal due to climate change, with rising temperatures leading to increased energy consumption and higher carbon emissions. The urgent call for expanded renewable energy capacity has never been more critical as the nation grapples with the repercussions of its own changing climate.

As the sun blazes down on Beijing, the community seeks solace wherever they can find it, but for many, the fight against the heat is just beginning. The situation remains fluid, and with more scorching days ahead, the need for immediate action and support for those enduring these extreme conditions is paramount. Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.