Europe Heatwave 2025: What Expats in Germany Need to Know

Introduction

A new and intense heatwave is gripping Europe, pushing temperatures above 35°C from Greece to northern England. Germany is not immune: several regions are experiencing record-breaking summer heat, and forecasters warn that such extreme weather events are becoming more frequent due to climate change. For expats and immigrants living in Germany — especially those not yet familiar with how the country handles extreme heat — understanding the risks and knowing what resources are available can make a real difference. Whether you work outdoors, live in a top-floor flat without air conditioning, or have children or elderly relatives in your household, this guide covers the essential steps to stay safe.

Health Risks and Who Is Most Vulnerable

Extreme heat is more than discomfort — it is a public health emergency. Heat exhaustion and heatstroke can develop quickly, especially in urban areas where concrete and asphalt retain warmth overnight, preventing the body from recovering.

The most vulnerable groups include:

• Elderly people (over 65), whose bodies regulate temperature less efficiently
• Infants and young children
• People with chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or respiratory illness
• Outdoor workers in construction, agriculture, or delivery
• People living in poorly ventilated top-floor apartments

Key warning signs of heatstroke include: hot and dry skin, confusion, rapid pulse, and loss of consciousness. If you or someone around you shows these symptoms, call 112 (emergency services) immediately.

Practical Steps to Stay Safe in Germany

Germany does not have a culture of widespread air conditioning, so proactive measures matter more here than in countries where AC is standard.

During the day:

• Stay indoors during peak heat hours, typically 12:00 to 16:00
• Close blinds and curtains on sun-facing windows during the day; open windows at night to let cool air in
• Drink water regularly — do not wait until you feel thirsty
• Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and heavy meals during the hottest part of the day
• Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing and a hat if going outside

For your home:

• Hang damp towels near open windows to cool incoming air
• Use fans strategically: place a bowl of ice in front of a fan to create a cooling effect
• Check whether your city has opened Kühlräume (public cooling centers) — libraries, community centers, and some shopping centers often serve this purpose

For outdoor workers: German labor law (Arbeitsstättenverordnung) requires employers to take protective measures during extreme heat. This includes providing access to drinking water, allowing breaks in shaded areas, and, where possible, adjusting working hours to avoid peak heat. If your employer is not meeting these obligations, you can contact your trade union or the local Gewerbeaufsichtsamt (labor inspectorate).

Finding Help and Cooling Centers Near You

During declared heat emergencies, German municipalities activate local response plans. Useful steps:

1. Check your city's official website (e.g., berlin.de, muenchen.de) for announcements about cooling centers or emergency advice
2. Call 116 117 — the non-emergency medical helpline available 24/7, staffed by German-speaking operators (some English support available)
3. Call 112 in any life-threatening situation
4. Check on neighbors — particularly elderly people living alone; Germany has a strong culture of community care during emergencies

The German Weather Service (Deutscher Wetterdienst, DWD) issues official heat warnings at dwd.de. You can set up free alerts for your region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have the right to take breaks or work reduced hours due to extreme heat?

Yes. German occupational health law requires employers to protect workers from heat-related risks. For indoor workplaces, if the temperature exceeds 26°C, employers must take action; above 35°C, standard workplaces are technically not suitable without protective measures. Outdoor workers have additional protections. Talk to your employer or, if needed, your trade union (Gewerkschaft) for support.

Are cooling centers free and open to everyone, including non-German speakers?

Yes. Public cooling spaces — such as libraries, community centers, and designated municipal facilities — are open to all residents regardless of nationality or residency status. Staff may not always speak English, but you are welcome to enter and use the space. Bring a bottle of water and your own reading material.

What should I do if I see someone collapse from the heat on the street?

Call 112 immediately. Move the person to shade if it is safe to do so, loosen tight clothing, and apply cool (not ice-cold) water to the skin. Stay with them until emergency services arrive.

Conclusion and Next Steps

Extreme heat in Europe is no longer an occasional event — it is a recurring seasonal reality. As an expat in Germany, the most important actions you can take right now are: identify the coolest room or space in your home, stock up on water, check the DWD weather warnings for your region, and make sure any vulnerable people in your circle are accounted for.

Germany's emergency infrastructure is solid, but it works best when residents know how to access it. Save the number 112 in your phone, bookmark your city's official website, and do not hesitate to ask for help.

Source: Tagesschau