The World Health Organisation (WHO) reported on Sunday, June 29th, that more than 1,300 excess deaths had been recorded across Europe since June 21, 2026 — all linked to the record-breaking heatwave that has been gripping much of the continent. The figure is a stark reminder that extreme heat is not merely uncomfortable: it is a genuine public health emergency. For expats and immigrants living in Germany, many of whom come from warmer climates but live in housing that is paradoxically poorly designed for heat, understanding the risks and available resources is essential.
"Excess deaths" is a statistical measure used by public health authorities to identify how many more people have died than would be expected in a normal period. When a heatwave drives that number above 1,300 in under ten days across an entire continent, it signals that heat is killing people who would otherwise still be alive — often through heat stroke, cardiovascular failure, or the worsening of existing respiratory or kidney conditions.
The WHO's figures cover the entire European region, and Germany is not immune. Germany experienced several days of extreme temperatures during the same period, and public health authorities at both federal and state level have been issuing guidance on how to stay safe.
For expats, the risk can sometimes be underestimated. If you come from a country with a hot climate, you may assume you are accustomed to heat — but the type of heat matters. Germany's heatwaves tend to arrive suddenly after cool spring weather, and crucially, most German homes are not designed to cope. The combination of high outdoor temperatures and poorly ventilated, heat-retaining interiors can create dangerous indoor conditions even when outside temperatures might seem manageable.
Public health guidance consistently identifies the following groups as most vulnerable during heatwaves:
Many expats and migrants work in sectors — logistics, construction, food service, cleaning — where outdoor or physically demanding work during peak heat hours is common. If your job exposes you to prolonged heat, you have rights: German occupational health law (Arbeitsstättenverordnung) requires employers to provide measures to protect workers from extreme heat, including adequate drinking water, breaks, and where possible, shade or cooler working environments.
Germany's Federal Centre for Health Education (Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung, BZgA) and the Robert Koch Institut (RKI) publish guidance during extreme heat events. The core recommendations are:
For non-emergency situations, call 116 117 — Germany's nationwide medical on-call service (Ärztlicher Bereitschaftsdienst). They can advise you and, if necessary, arrange a home visit from a doctor. In an emergency, call 112. If you have a registered GP (Hausarzt), contact their practice directly during opening hours. Symptoms to watch for include confusion, stopping sweating despite the heat, rapid heartbeat, and loss of consciousness — these require immediate emergency care.
If you are legally registered in Germany, you almost certainly have Krankenversicherung — either statutory (gesetzlich) through an employer or the Jobcenter, or private. Your Krankenversicherung covers emergency and acute medical care. If you are unsure about your coverage, contact your health insurer directly. If you are currently uninsured and in a medical emergency, German law requires hospitals to treat you regardless.
German occupational health law requires employers to protect employees from heat-related health risks. This includes providing sufficient drinking water, adjusting working hours if possible, and ensuring adequate ventilation. There is no automatic legal right to go home when temperatures hit a specific level indoors, but employers are obligated to take reasonable protective measures. If you believe your employer is not meeting these obligations, you can contact the relevant state authority for occupational safety (Arbeitsschutzbehörde).
The WHO's figure of more than 1,300 excess deaths is a serious signal that extreme heat in Europe must be taken as a genuine health threat — not a seasonal inconvenience. If you live in Germany, take the practical steps above seriously, know your emergency contacts, and make sure your Krankenversicherung details are up to date and accessible. The heatwave of June 2026 will not be the last of its kind, and being prepared is the most practical thing you can do.
Source: The Local Germany / World Health Organisation
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