Heat wave in Europe: Up to 45 degrees – rescue workers in constant use!

Heat wave in Europe: Up to 45 degrees – rescue workers in constant use!

There is currently an extreme heat wave in southern Europe that is driving temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius and is already having tragic consequences. Today, July 23, 2025, the thermometers in Sicily are now showing more than 30 degrees, while Istanbul is already at 36 degrees and Lesbos is struggling with 38 degrees. These high temperatures have prompted authorities in Greece to impose work bans during the hot midday hours to protect people. Five heat-related deaths have also been recorded in Italy, highlighting the scale of the situation. ZDF today reports that Turkey has also been hit hard by the heat, with ten people losing their lives due to a forest fire when an unexpected wind put aid workers in danger.

The extreme conditions are expected to increase further in the coming days: up to 45 degrees are expected in Italy and the highest heat warning level red has been issued in Palermo. Urban air-conditioned spaces remain open to citizens to provide some relief. Nevertheless, the outlook is bleak as the weather services see no relief in sight from the hot weather.

Extensive effects of the heat wave

The heat wave is not only reflected in high temperatures, but also in an alarming number of heat deaths. The current balance shows that the number of heat-related deaths in Europe has tripled in recent years. A study by Imperial College London and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine found that there were around 2,300 heat deaths in twelve cities alone, of which around 1,500 were directly attributable to climate change. Tagesschau points out that 88% of those who died from heat were people over 65 years of age, who often already suffered from health problems.

The responsibility of city authorities is required, in particular to reduce the so-called heat island effect and to take measures to create cooling centers that can provide short-term relief to vulnerable people. In this context, the urgency of improvements in heat action plans in Europe is also highlighted.

The situation is also exacerbated by the spreading forest fires that are raging in Turkey and other Mediterranean regions such as Greece and Spain due to the ongoing drought. In line with the rising temperatures, animal rights activists are calling for water to be provided for street animals as the heat also does not stop the creatures.

In Marmaris, a popular holiday resort, wild boars caused a stir as they cooled off in the cool waters of the sea. However, such bizarre images cannot disguise the serious consequences of the heatwave: the challenge Europe faces in the face of climate change could prove intense in the long term. Experts warn that such extreme events will occur more and more frequently in the coming years - and with them the threatening social and health consequences.