Residents seek respite from scorching heat in northern provinces

Wide range of precautions adopted to safeguard outdoor workers

Many residents have been caught off guard by temperatures rising to record levels this month across China's northern provinces, which are generally cooler in summer than southern areas of the country.

On Thursday, temperatures in Beijing rose above 40 C for the first time in June in 60 years. They again topped 40 C on Friday and Monday, the municipal meteorological service reported. The service also forecast that temperatures in the city will top 40 C later this week.

With notifications popping up on smartphones over the weekend advising caution due to the unrelenting heat, Lu Ruihai began to worry about his pet ginger cat, Bad Guy.

Lu, 45, who works in advertising in Beijing, traveled home to visit his parents in the port city of Tianjin during the three-day Dragon Boat Festival holiday, which started on Thursday.

As he has done in the past, Lu left his cat alone in his apartment in Beijing. Knowing it would be hot, he left a window slightly open to ensure proper air circulation. He also drew the curtains to keep the room cool, and prepared ample food and water for his cat.

"However, when I read about the high temperature warnings, I started to regret not leaving the air conditioning on for Bad Guy," he said.

His fears rose in tandem with the dangerously high temperatures, ruining his holiday. On Saturday, he cut his vacation short and returned to Beijing, but was relieved to see Bad Guy running around to welcome him home.

"Thank heaven, my cat is blessed with good fortune," Lu said.