Europe is currently experiencing a heat wave. In many cities, people are struggling to find relief from the heat as temperatures rise above 35 degrees Celsius, or 95 degrees Fahrenheit.
Image: Tom Nicholson/REUTERS
The outdoor thermometer at a building in Düsseldorf, Germany, is reading 36 degrees Celsius, almost 97 degrees Fahrenheit, around noon. Densely built-up cities with a lot of asphalt, impervious surfaces and very little greenery heat up fast. Such urban heat islands can be 10 to 15 degrees Celsius warmer than the surrounding countryside.
Image: Mouafak Mahmalji/Anadolu Agency/IMAGO
In Lavertezzo in the Verzasca Valley, Switzerland, people are seeking relief from the 35-degree Celsius heat in the ice-cold, emerald-green waters of the Verzasca River. Due to a Level 3 (out of 5) heat warning, swimmers are crowding into the riverbed amid the rocks and currents —a refuge from the oppressive June heat.
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This truck driver by the side of a German highway can only dream of a dip in the cool water. With the cab covered to block out the heat, many long-haul drivers spend their breaks and nights in their trucks — and not every truck is equipped with air conditioning.
Image: Christoph Reichwein/dpa/picture alliance
The parasol is becoming an increasingly popular way to beat the heat in Europe, as seen here in Milan, Italy. More than half of the world’s population lives in cities. June 2025 was the hottest on record in western Europe — with dramatic consequences. The extreme heat claimed numerous lives.
Image: Piero Cruciatti/Anadolu Agency/IMAGO
Armed with water and a mini fan, this young woman in Paris is braving the current heat wave. At the “Fete de la Musique” festival, there are even some hot beats to enjoy ― but no alcohol.
Image: Jerome Gilles/NurPhoto/picture alliance
Older people often have a hard time coping with the heat. The World Health Organization (WHO) issued a strong warning: In light of the worsening climate crisis, European countries must do more to protect their populations from extreme heat. “Europe is warming faster than any other continent — and that is costing lives,” emphasized Hans Kluge, WHO regional director for Europe.
Image: Mouafak Mahmalji/Anadolu Agency/IMAGO
The hot asphalt in cities is tough on dogs. This canine in Barcelona, Spain, is enjoying a much-needed break for his paws at a fountain. At least there’s a small consolation for everyone suffering from the heat: On June 21, the days started getting shorter again.
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