Beijing issues weather warning for hottest days of year

Residents in Beijing sought shade and relief on Monday as the Chinese capital sweltered under one of the hottest days of the year so far. The city’s meteorological bureau issued an orange-level heat warning—the second-highest on China’s three-tier heat alert system—as temperatures soared close to 38 degrees Celsius (100°F).

The warning prompted city officials to urge the public to minimize outdoor activities, drink plenty of fluids, and be vigilant about symptoms of heatstroke. With a population of over 22 million, Beijing was placed on alert amid ongoing heatwaves that have increasingly gripped northern China in recent years. In contrast, some southern parts of the country are contending with heavy rains and flooding, highlighting the growing climate imbalance across regions.

Li Weijun, a 22-year-old intern, said the unrelenting heat had disrupted his daily routine. “It’s been very hot lately, especially the last few days,” he told AFP. He has stopped wearing formal clothing to work and now delays his evening exercise until after 10 p.m. to avoid the worst of the heat. “I think this is related to climate change, and maybe also to how nature has been damaged,” he added.

Protective Measures and Public Response

Guidelines issued by city authorities advised that construction workers limit their hours under the sun, and urged the elderly or individuals with health conditions to avoid strenuous activity. On the streets, residents took visible measures to shield themselves from the sun.

Zhang Chen, 28, who works in IT, told reporters she always carried an umbrella for sun protection. “I used to cycle, but once it gets this hot, I stop,” she said.

While many avoided the sun, delivery drivers continued working, zipping through the downtown area at midday to keep Beijing’s workforce fed and caffeinated. Some sought brief respite by parking their scooters in shady spots, while others cooled down with ice cream or waded into city canals for relief.

Rising Temperatures and Climate Implications

Although Monday’s temperatures didn’t surpass Beijing’s record-high June reading of 41.1°C set in 2023, the persistent heat has reignited concerns about global climate change. Human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels, have accelerated the release of greenhouse gases, leading to longer, more intense heatwaves worldwide.

As the world’s largest emitter of carbon dioxide, China plays a pivotal role in global climate discussions. The country has pledged to peak its emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. In recent years, it has also taken major strides in expanding renewable energy infrastructure, as part of efforts to reduce its reliance on coal.

Coping with the Heat – A Local Perspective

For many longtime residents of the capital, such scorching summers are nothing new, but attitudes are shifting. “I was born and raised in Beijing, and summer has always been like this,” said 42-year-old Lucy Lu, who spent her lunch break playing jianzi, a traditional Chinese game, with friends in a shaded area.

Still, she expressed concern over working conditions in extreme heat. “I do think when the temperature goes over 40 degrees, people should be allowed to work from home or have some time off to reduce the risk of heatstroke,” she suggested.

As the mercury continues to rise in major cities like Beijing, climate resilience and public safety are becoming increasingly urgent topics—both for local policymakers and global leaders.