Germany Breaks Heat Record Again: What Expats Need to Know

Introduction

Germany has broken its national temperature record for the second consecutive day, according to preliminary data from the German Weather Service (DWD). The weather station in Möckern-Drewitz, Saxony-Anhalt, registered a staggering 41.5°C. For expats and immigrants living in Germany, extreme heat events like this are not just uncomfortable — they carry real implications for workplace rights, housing conditions, and personal health. Germany's housing stock, particularly older buildings, is rarely equipped with air conditioning, making heat waves especially challenging for residents.

What the Record Means

The DWD (Deutscher Wetterdienst), Germany's national meteorological service, confirmed the reading as a new all-time high for the country. Germany has historically been a temperate climate, and infrastructure — from homes to public transport — is generally not designed for sustained extreme heat. This makes heat waves disproportionately impactful compared to countries where such temperatures are more common.

For expats who recently moved to Germany, this may come as a surprise. Many apartments, particularly in older buildings, lack any form of air conditioning. Portable units are available in electronics stores but tend to sell out quickly during heat events.

Your Rights at Work During a Heat Wave

German labor law does not set a specific maximum indoor temperature at which employers must send workers home. However, the Arbeitsstättenverordnung (Workplace Regulations) and guidelines from the Bundesanstalt für Arbeitsschutz und Arbeitsmedizin (BAuA) state that employers have a duty of care when indoor temperatures exceed 26°C, and are strongly advised to take protective measures above 30°C and 35°C.

Practical steps your employer should take include:

• Providing cold drinking water free of charge
• Allowing flexible hours to avoid peak heat periods
• Offering temporary remote work where possible
• Installing fans or temporary cooling in workplaces

If you work outdoors — in construction, agriculture, delivery, or hospitality — the risks are higher. Talk to your employer or your Betriebsrat (works council) if you feel your health is at risk. If you face resistance, the relevant authority is your local Gewerbeaufsichtsamt (trade supervisory office).

Health and Housing: Practical Tips

Extreme heat can be dangerous, particularly for older people, young children, and those with pre-existing health conditions. If you or someone in your household is vulnerable, keep an eye on local heat warnings issued by the DWD at their official website (dwd.de).

For renters, note that if your apartment becomes genuinely uninhabitable due to heat — for instance, if a building's thermal insulation is defective and causes excessive indoor temperatures — you may have grounds to raise the issue with your landlord. Legal advice from a Mieterverein (tenants' association) can clarify your options.

Basic precautions during a German heat wave:

• Keep blinds and curtains closed during the day on sun-facing windows
• Open windows at night when temperatures drop
• Stay hydrated and avoid strenuous outdoor activity between 11:00 and 17:00
• Check on elderly or isolated neighbors

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my employer force me to work in extreme heat in Germany?

No employer can legally require you to work in conditions that pose a clear danger to your health. While Germany has no single law banning work above a set temperature, the employer's general duty of care applies. If temperatures at your workplace are extreme and no protective measures are in place, you can contact your Betriebsrat or the Gewerbeaufsichtsamt.

Does my Krankenversicherung cover heat-related illness?

Yes. If you experience heat stroke, severe dehydration, or another heat-related medical emergency, your statutory or private Krankenversicherung covers the costs of medical treatment, just as with any other illness. If symptoms are severe, call 112 (emergency) or 116 117 (medical on-call service).

Where can I find official heat warnings for my area?

The DWD publishes free heat warnings at dwd.de. You can also set up push notifications via their WarnWetter app, which is available in English.

Conclusion and Next Steps

Germany's new heat record is a reminder that climate change is reshaping everyday life in ways that directly affect residents, including the expat community. The immediate priorities are personal safety, knowing your workplace rights, and preparing your home as best you can. If you are new to Germany, take time to familiarise yourself with the DWD's warning system and your rights as a worker and tenant. More extreme summers are expected to become the norm.

Source: Tagesschau / DWD (Deutscher Wetterdienst)