Health and Me

Rachel V Thomas

WHO Sounds Alarm on Europe's Extreme Heat: Here's How Hot It Could Get Across Countries

As several European countries grapple with severe heatwave conditions, the World Health Organization (<span>WHO</span>) has sounded the alarm, warning that rising temperatures are becoming a major public health emergency.

"Heat is no longer only a weather story. It is a health emergency," said Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, in a post on social media.

The warning comes as Europe faces another summer of extreme temperatures, with the global health organization linking the trend to "<a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/world-environment-day-2026-how-climate-change-is-increasing-the-global-disease-burden-explained-article-154462421" data-type="tilCustomLink">climate change</a>, rapid urbanization, and an "aging population".

<h2>Heat An Urgent Public Health Threat</h2>

In its recently launched Heat-Health Action Plans Guidance, the WHO described extreme heat as an "urgent and growing public health threat."

The agency noted that rising temperatures increase illness and deaths, place additional strain on healthcare and social care systems, and disproportionately affect vulnerable groups such as older adults, children, people with chronic illnesses, and outdoor workers.

"Our Region is the fastest-warming region globally. In the past four years alone, heat has claimed more than 200,000 lives, while heat-related mortality has risen by 30% over the past 20 years," said Kluge, in an interview with BBC News.

He stressed that many heat-related deaths can be prevented through timely action and preparedness.

The WHO Europe also urged governments, employers, and institutions to strengthen heat action plans to protect vulnerable populations.

<strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/heatwaves-ozone-pollution-driving-heart-and-lung-disease-deaths-in-india-iit-study-article-154645723" data-type="tilCustomLink">Heatwaves, Ozone Pollution Driving Heart And Lung Disease Deaths In India: IIT Study</a>

<h2>How European Countries Are Bracing The Heat?</h2>

Read More: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/extreme-heat-to-drive-us-heart-disease-burden-up-200-by-2050-study-article-154428943" data-type="tilCustomLink">Extreme Heat To Drive US Heart Disease Burden Up 200% By 2050: Study</a> 

<h3>France</h3>France is among the countries hardest hit by the current heatwave. Authorities expected 35 of the country's 96 departments to be placed under red heatwave alerts, with temperatures ranging from 39°C to 40°C across large parts of the country. Some areas could see temperatures climb to 41°C.

Officials have announced a partial alcohol ban in certain areas and strengthened wildfire preparedness measures. The government has also ordered increased monitoring of water supplies used to cool the country's nuclear reactors.

<h3>Germany</h3>Germany has issued nationwide heat alerts as temperatures approach 38°C. The national weather service, DWD, warned that the combination of intense heat and humidity could trigger severe thunderstorms, adding another layer of risk to the ongoing heatwave.

In Spain, extreme heat forced the closure of a soccer fan zone, highlighting the impact of rising temperatures on public events and outdoor activities.

Portugal is expected to experience its hottest conditions early next week. According to the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA), temperatures could reach as high as 42°C.

Italy is also preparing for a significant heatwave. Weather forecasts suggest temperatures in several northern and central cities could hit 40°C for the first time this year, affecting both residents and tourists across the country.

<h3>UK</h3>The United Kingdom has also issued an extreme heat warning for early next week. The Met Office predicts temperatures could peak at around 34°C, with southern England expected to experience temperatures in the low 30s before the heat expands and intensifies on Monday and Tuesday.

Alongside soaring temperatures, several European countries are facing the risk of severe storms. Meteorological agencies have warned that heat and humidity could fuel thunderstorms, increasing the likelihood of flash floods, strong winds, and other weather-related disruptions.

<strong>Read More:</strong><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/22-treated-for-heat-illness-at-fifa-fan-festival-how-are-world-cup-players-protected-article-154583269" data-type="tilCustomLink">22 Treated For Heat Illness At FIFA Fan Festival: How Are World Cup Players Protected?</a>

WHO Europe has urged governments, employers, and institutions to strengthen heat action plans to protect vulnerable populations.

<ul><li>warn communities early, </li><li>make cities cooler, </li><li>ensure access to water and shade, </li><li>check on those most at risk, </li><li>prepare health systems before temperatures peak.</li></ul>

<h2>How To Protect Yourself During Extreme Heat</h2>

To reduce the health risks associated with extreme temperatures, one should

<ul><li>Stay hydrated throughout the day</li><li>Seek shade and cooler indoor environments</li><li>Avoid outdoor activities during peak afternoon heat</li><li>Check regularly on elderly relatives, neighbors, and other vulnerable individuals</li><li>Follow public health advice issued by local authorities</li><li> Protecting outdoor workers from midday heat exposure.</li></ul>

Health Conditions A-Z

health

who-sounds-alarm-on-europes-extreme-heat-heres-how-hot-it-could-get-across-countries

Europe facing Extreme Heat

heatwave in Europe

heatwave Public Health threat Europe

climate change

storm alert in Europe

australias-h5n1-detection-marks-end-of-last-virus-free-continent

Australia’s H5N1 Detection Marks End Of Last Virus-Free Continent

that-just-cosmetic-vein-issue-could-be-medical-what-causes-varicose-veins

That ‘Just Cosmetic’ Vein Issue Could Be Medical: What Causes Varicose Veins

Health News

8 Sit-Up Variations to Strengthen Your Core and Build Stability

Benefits Of Ayurvedic Health Supplement Ashwagandha

9 Anti-Inflammatory Breakfast Options You Should Try

5 Foods You Should Avoid For PCOS, Says Gynecologist

Love Sitting With Your Legs Crossed? Here’s You Should Avoid It

6 Daily Foods That Are Secretly Increasing Your Calories

9 Brain Boosters You Should Do Everyday

Hip Exercises That Will Keep You Flexible As You Age

9 Leg Exercises Office Workers’ Should Do At Home

Benefits of Having Herbal Tea Every Morning

9 Daily Habits That Boost Your Brain Power

Lower-Body Exercises That Are Game-Changers

How Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Helps You

Aging Myths You Should Never Believe

Superfoods That Support Your Gut Health

What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Instant Noodles Every Day?

Health Issues Premature Babies Often Face

Exercises Office Workers Should Do For Their Heart Health

Reasons Why You Should Add Raw Turmeric To Your Diet

Benefits Of Drinking Milk At Night: Why You Should Do It

Food That Provides Vitamin B12 Naturally In Your Diet

Surprising Health Benefits Of Fenugreek Seeds

9 Superfoods You Should Eat For Your Brain Health

What Does Mental Health Support Look Like At Work?

Long Stretches You Should Do To Unwind From Your Day

Colon Cancer In Young Adults: Early Symptoms You Should Know

Health Benefits Of Eating Dry Fruits Everyday

Are You At Risk For Fried Rice Syndrome?

These Tests Reveal How Well You Are Aging

Lower-Back Exercises You Should Do After A Long-Day's Work

Children’s Diet – What Kids Need To Eat For Immunity Building

Common Diabetes Myths That Could Hurt Your Health

Love Spicy Food? Here’s How It Affects Your Health

Superfood List: Veggies And Fruits You Must Have For Immunity

Foods People With IBS Should Avoid

Exercises To Improve Digestion

Easy Work Lunches You Can Make In The Morning

Hunger Vs Craving: Difference Explained In 60 seconds

These Things Can Cause Your Heart To Age Faster

High Carb Foods That Are Actually Healthy

As several European countries grapple with severe heatwave conditions, the World Health Organization (WHO) has sounded the alarm, warning that rising temperatures are becoming a major public health emergency."Heat is no longer only a weather story. It is a health emergency," said Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, in a post on social media.The warning comes as Europe faces another summer of extreme temperatures, with the global health organization linking the trend to "climate change, rapid urbanization, and an "aging population".Heat An Urgent Public Health ThreatIn its recently launched Heat-Health Action Plans Guidance, the WHO described extreme heat as an "urgent and growing public health threat."The agency noted that rising temperatures increase illness and deaths, place additional strain on healthcare and social care systems, and disproportionately affect vulnerable groups such as older adults, children, people with chronic illnesses, and outdoor workers."Our Region is the fastest-warming region globally. In the past four years alone, heat has claimed more than 200,000 lives, while heat-related mortality has risen by 30% over the past 20 years," said Kluge, in an interview with BBC News.He stressed that many heat-related deaths can be prevented through timely action and preparedness.The WHO Europe also urged governments, employers, and institutions to strengthen heat action plans to protect vulnerable populations.Also read: Heatwaves, Ozone Pollution Driving Heart And Lung Disease Deaths In India: IIT StudyHow European Countries Are Bracing The Heat?Read More: Extreme Heat To Drive US Heart Disease Burden Up 200% By 2050: Study FranceFrance is among the countries hardest hit by the current heatwave. Authorities expected 35 of the country's 96 departments to be placed under red heatwave alerts, with temperatures ranging from 39°C to 40°C across large parts of the country. Some areas could see temperatures climb to 41°C.Officials have announced a partial alcohol ban in certain areas and strengthened wildfire preparedness measures. The government has also ordered increased monitoring of water supplies used to cool the country's nuclear reactors.GermanyGermany has issued nationwide heat alerts as temperatures approach 38°C. The national weather service, DWD, warned that the combination of intense heat and humidity could trigger severe thunderstorms, adding another layer of risk to the ongoing heatwave.SpainIn Spain, extreme heat forced the closure of a soccer fan zone, highlighting the impact of rising temperatures on public events and outdoor activities.PortugalPortugal is expected to experience its hottest conditions early next week. According to the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA), temperatures could reach as high as 42°C.ItalyItaly is also preparing for a significant heatwave. Weather forecasts suggest temperatures in several northern and central cities could hit 40°C for the first time this year, affecting both residents and tourists across the country.UKThe United Kingdom has also issued an extreme heat warning for early next week. The Met Office predicts temperatures could peak at around 34°C, with southern England expected to experience temperatures in the low 30s before the heat expands and intensifies on Monday and Tuesday.Storm AlertAlongside soaring temperatures, several European countries are facing the risk of severe storms. Meteorological agencies have warned that heat and humidity could fuel thunderstorms, increasing the likelihood of flash floods, strong winds, and other weather-related disruptions.Read More:22 Treated For Heat Illness At FIFA Fan Festival: How Are World Cup Players Protected?WHO Calls For Immediate ActionWHO Europe has urged governments, employers, and institutions to strengthen heat action plans to protect vulnerable populations.Kluge said that it is important to warn communities early, make cities cooler, ensure access to water and shade, check on those most at risk, prepare health systems before temperatures peak.How To Protect Yourself During Extreme HeatTo reduce the health risks associated with extreme temperatures, one shouldStay hydrated throughout the daySeek shade and cooler indoor environmentsAvoid outdoor activities during peak afternoon heatCheck regularly on elderly relatives, neighbors, and other vulnerable individualsFollow public health advice issued by local authorities Protecting outdoor workers from midday heat exposure.

who sounds alarm on europe's extreme heat: here's how hot it could get across countries

About Us

Contact Us

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy

Company

Health and Me is a premium website with content written and curated to function as a handbook for all Health concerns.

WHO Sounds Alarm on Europe's Extreme Heat: Here's How Hot It Could Get Across Countries

Australia’s H5N1 Detection Marks End Of Last Virus-Free Continent

Ebola Outbreak: Cases In Congo Reach 933, Death Toll Climbs To 245

International Yoga Day 2026: Yoga Enriches Every Aspect of Life, From Fitness to Inner Peace, Says PM Modi

Health Conditions A-Z

Australia’s H5N1 Detection Marks End Of Last Virus-Free Continent

WHO Sounds Alarm on Europe's Extreme Heat: Here's How Hot It Could Get Across Countries

That ‘Just Cosmetic’ Vein Issue Could Be Medical: What Causes Varicose Veins