China's Gig Economy Booms as Blistering Heat Leaves Workers Exposed
Hao, like most of China's 200 million gig workers, is eligible by law to receive a 'heat wave allowance,' or danger money for those required to work for hours in extreme heat conditions. He should be paid at least 180 yuan ($25) per month when the heat crosses 35C (95F). The city had already breached that, with the mercury heading fast toward 40C that week. But he hasn't seen a penny.
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Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Country park wardens warn over barbecues as Scotland prepares for heatwave
Scots have been warned careless use of barbeques can have 'devastating' consequences for the countryside, as the nation prepares for a weekend heatwave. Temperature will hit the high 20s in parts of Scotland during Saturday and Sunday. The hot, dry weather comes as the Trnsmt music festival is about to begin on Friday and continue through the weekend, with thousands of music fans gathering on Glasgow Green. The Met Office says the heatwave will last longer than the one experienced earlier this summer and cover a larger part of Scotland. 🌡️ Heat is building across the UK this week, temperatures could reach 32-33°C during the weekend 👇 — Met Office (@metoffice) July 8, 2025 Earlier in July, parts of the north of Scotland were hit by wildfires on a 'vast scale' which burned for several days, prompting a police investigation. In May, a discarded barbeque led to a large fire the size of two rugby pitches breaking out in the Trossachs, killing nesting birds and other wildlife. Leigh Hamilton, ranger service manager at Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority, said: 'May's wildfire at Glen Finglas, caused by a carelessly discarded, disposal barbecue, is a stark reminder as to the devastating impact a single reckless act can have on our national park.' She said the ranger service 'cannot be everywhere', adding: 'This summer, as we face continued drier, more fire-prone conditions, we urge everyone to be vigilant and act responsibly, especially during high-risk periods. 'Avoid naked flames including disposable barbecues, dispose of waste properly, and call 999 immediately if you witness a wildfire. 'Everyone has a part to play. If you care about this landscape, help us protect it.' The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) urged people to take simple precautions as they prepare for the heatwave, including staying hydrated and watching out for signs of heatstroke. Policy director Steve Cole said: 'Heat is no longer just a holiday perk – it's a growing public health risk. 'We're seeing more frequent and intense heatwaves, both in the UK and globally, and the data shows a clear rise in heat-related illness and fatalities.' Met Office chief meteorologist Neil Armstrong said earlier: 'Scotland is also expected to meet heatwave criteria over the weekend. 'This hot spell is forecast to last longer and cover a broader area than previous ones so far this summer, and affect areas further north and west. 'For updates, do keep an eye on the Met Office forecast as the picture develops.' Meanwhile, Dr Nick Riches, public health registrar at NHS Lanarkshire, said people should look out for vulnerable neighbours who may struggle in the heat. Dr Riches said: 'People should try to avoid being in direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day between 12 noon and 3pm. 'Replenishing fluids is really important to reduce the risk of becoming dehydrated in the heat. Everyone should be careful to take extra liquids (cold tap water is ideal), at regular intervals. 'It is important to keep indoor temperatures comfortable, particularly for those who are less able to control their body temperature such as young children, the elderly and those with chronic medical conditions.'
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Yellow heat health alert extended to all of England as temperatures soar
A yellow heat health alert has been extended to all regions in England, with temperatures set to reach 31C on Thursday and expected to climb as the third heatwave of the summer hits the UK. The highest temperatures are forecast for Saturday, with England and Wales expected to deal with the hottest weather, making for a sweltering start to the finals weekend for Wimbledon fans and players taking to the courts in SW19. Scotland is also due to hit the heatwave threshold, according to the Met Office, whereby the temperature needs to reach or surpass 28C in the south and 25C in the north for at least three consecutive days. Despite not being as warm as the heatwave at the beginning of July, the hot spell is forecast to last longer and cover a broader area, according to the forecasting body. The UK Health Security Agency issued yellow heat health alerts on Wednesday covering parts of central and southern England, valid until 10am on July 15, with the body extending the warning to cover all regions in England from 11am on Thursday. According to the Met Office, temperatures are expected to reach 27-29C widely across England and Wales on Thursday afternoon, with isolated spots in the West Country and London area potentially seeing highs of 31C. There is a 'low probability' of reaching 32C, the forecasting body added. Met Office meteorologist Alex Deakin said: 'It'll be a sunnier day on Thursday compared to Wednesday. Some mist and low cloud possible in around the Irish Sea as well. That may affect the east coast of Northern Ireland, the south-west of Scotland and the Isle of Man at times, but again, most places will be sunnier than today across England, Wales, Southern Scotland, Northern Ireland. 'There will be this chain of thicker cloud, rain and drizzle at times across the far north of the mainland of Scotland, the Northern Isles, and the Western Isles where as a result, as you might imagine, it will again be on the coolish side with temperatures a touch below average, perhaps in the mid-teens. 'But elsewhere, we'll be ticking those temperatures up once more, particularly across England and Wales. First day likely to get over 30C, but it won't be the last day this week. 'All thanks to an area of high pressure squashing the air and the combination of that and the sunshine this time of year will allow those temperatures to continue to rise into the weekend. 'So, the hot conditions are going to last through the weekend.' Friday is expected to be hotter than Thursday, with temperatures reaching 27C across the north and 32C further south and south east. Saturday is set to be the hottest day of the week, with London potentially reaching 33C and high UV and pollen counts across much of the country, before a similarly hot day on Sunday with temperatures forecast between 27 and 31C. 'Prepare for some hot conditions as a heatwave returns to the UK,' Met Office meteorologist Clare Nasir said. Ms Nasir advised people to 'stay hydrated', echoing warnings from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) which urged the public to drink water regularly, seek shade and use sunscreen. Steve Cole, policy director at RoSPA, said: 'Heat is no longer just a holiday perk — it's a growing public health risk. We're seeing more frequent and intense heatwaves, both in the UK and globally, and the data shows a clear rise in heat-related illness and fatalities. 'Warm weather can also be deceptive when it comes to going for a dip. While the air may feel hot, water temperatures often remain dangerously cold, which can lead to cold water shock, even in summer.' People are also urged to take extra care when it comes to barbecues in the heat. Leigh Hamilton, ranger service manager at Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority, said: 'May's wildfire at Glen Finglas, caused by a carelessly discarded disposable barbecue, is a stark reminder as to the devastating impact a single reckless act can have on our National Park. 'This summer, as we face continued drier, more fire-prone conditions, we urge everyone to be vigilant and act responsibly, especially during high-risk periods. Avoid naked flames including disposable barbecues, dispose of waste properly, and call 999 immediately if you witness a wildfire. 'Everyone has a part to play. If you care about this landscape, help us protect it.'
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Heat health alerts and hosepipe ban issued as third heatwave hits UK
Heat health alerts and a hosepipe ban have been issued as the third heatwave of the summer is set to hit some parts of the country by the weekend. Temperatures are expected to soar up to 32C by Friday - hotter than in Lisbon, Istanbul and Rome. Last week saw highs of up to 34.7C in London, as Wimbledon players relied on ice packs to cope with the baking sun - while the 35.8C recorded in Faversham, Kent, on 1 July is the hottest of the year so far. The latest hot spell is not expected to be quite as warm, but is forecast to last longer and cover a broader area. It will be the third in four weeks after two weekends of hot conditions for much of the country in the final weeks of June, which was the hottest on record across England. The Met Office is predicting many areas could see temperatures 10C above the seasonal heat health alerts - which indicate people with pre-existing health conditions, and those aged over 65, could be at higher risk - have been issued by the UK Health Security Agency covering all of England from 11am on Thursday until 10am on 15 July. Yorkshire Water has issued a hosepipe ban - the country's first of the year - which comes into force on Friday, with breaches punishable by fines of up to £1,000. Tennis fans attending the Wimbledon finals on Saturday and Sunday are being advised to wear plenty of sun cream and stay hydrated, with plus-30C temperatures, very high UV and pollen levels expected in the capital. To be considered a heatwave, the temperature needs to reach or surpass 28C in the south and 25C in the north for at least three consecutive days. The Met Office predicts temperatures of up to 31C on Thursday and 32C on Friday in the south of England and Wales. In the north of England, Thursday could see highs of 27C, edging up to 29C on Friday and 30C on Saturday with isolated highs of 31C. Read more: Scotland is also due to hit the heatwave threshold, with temperatures on the east coast forecast to reach 31C on Saturday, potentially breaking local records, according to Met Office meteorologist Liam Eslick. The temperature will slowly start to decrease by Monday or Tuesday. "It is going to be a hot one with little cloud around," Mr Eslick said. "UV levels are going to be pretty high so anyone going to the [Wimbledon] finals should wear plenty of sun cream and stay hydrated as there is not going to be too much of a breeze to cool down. "Pollen levels are also going to be high, so any hay fever sufferers should take medication to reduce that risk." He said the weekend would be very sunny and dry, with the wildfire risk classed as moderate, and advised those planning barbecues to make sure they extinguish them properly as the ground will be dry. Cold water shock warning RNLI water safety manager Ross Macleod warned those heading to the coast the seas can still be cold enough to trigger cold water shock, with waves and rip currents strong enough to overpower even the most experienced swimmers. He urged anyone in difficulty not to panic and advised: "Tilt your head back, with your ears submerged. Relax and try to breathe normally. Move your hands and legs to help you stay afloat if you need to." "Heading to the coast is a great way to have fun, relax and cool off in these high temperatures, but remembering this one piece of advice could save your life if you find yourself struggling in water," he said. "We also encourage people to choose a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags, which is the area most closely monitored by the lifeguards."
