Europe Heat Wave: 1,300+ Deaths — Germany Safety Guide for Expats

Introduction

The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed more than 1,300 excess deaths across Europe since a record-breaking heat wave began around June 21. Germany has been one of the hardest-hit countries, registering a national temperature record of 41.7 degrees Celsius. These are not just statistics — excess deaths represent real people whose lives were cut short by heat, many of them in countries and cities where buildings, health systems, and daily routines were not designed for this level of heat.

For expats and immigrants in Germany, this is a public health emergency. If you are from a country with a hot climate, you may have experience managing heat — but Germany's infrastructure responds very differently. If you are from a cooler country, the risk of underestimating this heat is real.

Understanding 'Excess Deaths' and Why They Matter

Excess deaths are calculated by comparing the actual number of deaths during a specific period to the number that would be expected based on historical averages. When a heat wave kills more than 1,300 people above the expected baseline across Europe, it signals that the heat is overwhelming both individual health and healthcare systems.

Heat-related deaths are often not recorded directly as such. They frequently appear as cardiovascular events, respiratory failures, or kidney problems — conditions that the extreme heat triggered or worsened. This means the real impact of the heat wave may be even higher than the WHO's current figure.

Germany's Situation: Record Heat and Limited Infrastructure

Germany recorded 41.7°C — an extraordinary figure for a country whose average summer temperature sits around 22-25°C. The consequences are practical and immediate:

• Most German homes, offices, and schools lack air conditioning. Buildings designed for winter insulation become heat traps.
• Public transport can be disrupted by heat-related technical failures (rail expansion, overhead wire issues).
• Hospitals and emergency services face higher demand, which can mean longer wait times for non-critical care.

The German weather service (DWD) reported that the worst of the heat is moving eastward, but conditions remain dangerous in many regions.

Who Is Most at Risk — and What to Do

The WHO identifies these groups as highest risk during extreme heat:

• Adults over 65
• Infants and young children
• People with pre-existing heart, lung, or kidney conditions
• People taking certain medications (diuretics, antihistamines, blood pressure drugs)
• Outdoor workers
• People experiencing homelessness

Practical actions:

1. Keep your home as cool as possible: Close blinds and shutters during daylight hours; open windows at night.
2. Hydrate proactively: Drink 2-3 litres of water per day minimum, more if you are active or outdoors.
3. Limit outdoor activity to early morning or after sunset.
4. Check on vulnerable people in your network — elderly neighbours, friends with chronic illness.
5. Know the emergency numbers: 112 for emergencies, 116 117 for non-urgent medical advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take time off work in Germany if it is too hot?

German labour law (Arbeitsstättenverordnung) requires employers to take measures to protect workers from heat — including providing adequate ventilation and, in some workplaces, cooling. However, there is no automatic legal right to go home due to heat. If your workplace is dangerously hot, speak to your employer or, in serious cases, contact the relevant state authority (Gewerbeaufsicht). Outdoor workers and those in non-air-conditioned environments should be especially proactive in raising this with their employer.

How do I find heat relief resources near me in Germany?

Many German cities designate public cooling spaces (Kühloasen) during heat emergencies. Check your city (Stadtverwaltung) website, or search 'Kühloase + [your city name]'. Public libraries, swimming pools (Freibäder), and some community centres also provide cooler environments. Many are free to enter.

Conclusion and Next Steps

More than 1,300 people have already lost their lives in this European heat wave. The risk is real, and Germany's lack of air conditioning infrastructure means that protective action is your personal responsibility more than in many other countries. Take the simple steps: cool your home strategically, stay hydrated, avoid peak sun hours, and know who to call if you or someone near you needs help. The heat is expected to ease in the coming days — but until it does, treat this as the health emergency it is.

Source: DW English