Delivery riders in Rome continued making deliveries in scorching temperatures as a severe heatwave pushed street temperatures to dangerous levels.
ROME, ITALY — Delivery riders in Rome spent hours on the streets during one of the hottest periods of the day as a powerful heatwave gripped the Italian capital. Activists using thermal imaging cameras recorded extremely high temperatures on roads and pavements, highlighting the difficult conditions faced by workers who rely on daily deliveries for income.
According to reports, many riders continued to move across the city despite warnings from health officials about the dangers of prolonged exposure to extreme heat. The thermal images showed some surfaces reaching temperatures far higher than the official air temperature, raising concerns about heat exhaustion and dehydration.
Climate activists and labour advocates said gig economy workers remain among the most exposed groups during heatwaves because they spend long hours outdoors. They called for stronger protections for delivery riders, including access to water, rest breaks and measures that allow workers to avoid the hottest parts of the day.
Italy and several other European countries have experienced repeated periods of extreme heat in recent years. Health authorities have warned that high temperatures can lead to dehydration, heat stroke and other serious medical conditions, particularly among outdoor workers, elderly people and those with existing health challenges.
Scientists have also linked the increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves to changing global climate conditions. European cities, including Rome, have introduced emergency measures during recent heat events, including public cooling centres and health advisories for vulnerable residents.
The development means growing attention will likely focus on worker safety and the impact of extreme weather on people whose jobs require them to remain outdoors. The situation in Rome has also renewed discussions about climate adaptation measures and protections for gig economy workers during periods of severe heat.
