Europe Heatwave 2025: What People in Germany Need to Know

Introduction

A powerful heatwave is sweeping across Europe, with Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and several neighbouring countries recording dangerously high temperatures. Forecasters say significant relief is not expected until the weekend. In France, the situation has already turned deadly, with multiple fatalities reported — including two children. For people living in Germany, and especially for expats who may not be familiar with local infrastructure, emergency systems, or workplace rules during extreme heat, this is a moment to take practical precautions seriously.

How Bad Is the Heat in Germany?

German meteorologists are tracking intense heat across multiple federal states, with some southern and western regions most exposed to peak temperatures. While Germany has experienced extreme summers before — most notably in 2003 and 2019 — each heatwave brings renewed pressure on public health systems, outdoor workers, and urban residents who live in apartments without air conditioning, which remains uncommon in most German homes.

The elderly, young children, pregnant women, and people with chronic health conditions are considered the most vulnerable groups. Authorities across the country are activating heat action plans, opening cooling centres in public buildings such as libraries and community halls, and issuing guidance through official channels.

Your Rights at Work During a Heatwave

Germany does not currently have a legally defined maximum indoor workplace temperature, but employers are legally required under the Arbeitsstättenverordnung (Workplace Ordinance) to take protective measures when indoor temperatures exceed 26°C. When temperatures go above 30°C, employers must act — for example by providing fans, adjusting working hours, or allowing employees to work from cooler environments. Above 35°C, a workplace is generally considered unfit for work.

If you work outdoors — in construction, landscaping, delivery, or agriculture — your employer is required to provide sun protection, drinking water, and rest breaks in shaded areas. If you feel your employer is not meeting these obligations, you can contact the relevant state authority for occupational health and safety (Arbeitsschutzbehörde).

Practical Safety Tips for Residents in Germany

Whether you have lived in Germany for years or just arrived, here are straightforward steps to protect yourself and your household during the current heatwave:

• Stay hydrated: Drink water regularly, even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid heavy alcohol consumption, which accelerates dehydration.
• Keep your home cool: Close windows and blinds during the hottest hours (roughly 11:00 to 18:00). Open them again in the evening when outside temperatures drop.
• Limit outdoor activity: Avoid strenuous exercise or long walks during peak heat. If you must be outside, wear light clothing, a hat, and sunscreen.
• Use public cooling spaces: Libraries, supermarkets, and some public buildings offer cooler environments during opening hours.
• Check on vulnerable neighbours: If you know elderly people or families with young children nearby, a quick check-in can be lifesaving.
• Know the emergency number: In Germany, call 112 for medical emergencies and 110 for police. If you or someone around you shows signs of heatstroke — confusion, very hot dry skin, rapid heartbeat — call 112 immediately.

Heatwaves and Mental Health

Extreme heat is not only a physical risk. Research consistently links prolonged heat exposure to increased irritability, difficulty sleeping, and a worsening of existing mental health conditions. If you are already managing stress related to relocation, language barriers, or bureaucratic processes, a heatwave can amplify that pressure. Prioritise rest, limit caffeine and alcohol, and reach out to support networks if you feel overwhelmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a legal maximum temperature for apartments in Germany?

German tenancy law does not set an absolute maximum temperature that triggers a rent reduction automatically, but courts have accepted that extreme indoor heat can constitute a defect (Mangel) that justifies a temporary rent reduction. If your landlord refuses to install basic protections such as external blinds (Außenjalousien) that were promised in your rental contract, you may have grounds to raise the issue formally. Seek advice from a tenants' association (Mieterverein) if this applies to you.

What should I do if my child's school is too hot?

Individual German federal states set their own rules on school closures or modified schedules during heatwaves. In some states, schools are permitted to send children home early if classroom temperatures exceed a certain threshold. Check directly with your child's school or the relevant state education authority for the latest guidance in your region.

Conclusion and Next Steps

The current heatwave is a reminder that living in Germany — like anywhere in Europe — means preparing for increasingly common extreme weather events. For expats, the most important steps right now are to stay informed through official channels (the German Weather Service, DWD, publishes daily heat warnings at dwd.de), know your rights at work, keep your home as cool as possible, and check on those around you who may be vulnerable.

Cooler temperatures are forecast to return by the weekend, but until then, take the heat seriously.

Source: DW English