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By Euronews with AP
Published on
ADVERTISEMENTParts of Europe were gripped by an early summer heatwave this weekend, with temperatures surpassing 35 degrees Celsius in France and the United Kingdom recording its hottest day of 2025.
While most areas have cooled off, forecasters expect heatwaves to become more common as climate change exacerbates the problem and makes already-hot regions even warmer.
Heatwaves mean more than cancelled events. They also pose a health risk, especially for children, older people, and those with certain health conditions.
Here are some tips on how to stay safe this summer.
When does heat become dangerous?
The answer depends on more than the temperature. The most detailed measurement is called the wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT), which includes temperature, humidity, cloud cover, and wind.
The heat index, which measures temperature and humidity, is less descriptive but easier to find on weather apps.
Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can be dangerous. For example, a day where temperatures reach 36 degrees and 45 per cent humidity would be considered risky for prolonged exposure or strenuous activity outside – even for some young, healthy people.
How to cool down
Overnight lows can be a particularly dangerous part of a heatwave, said Ashley Ward, director of the US-based Heat Policy Innovation Hub at Duke University.
“When we have overnight temperatures that don’t drop below [24 degrees] you start to see some pretty extraordinary outcomes with respect to heat illness and heat stroke, and even mortality,” Ward said.
Ward’s answer: Find air conditioning, for example, at cinemas, malls, and libraries.
At home, create a “cool corner” and sleep there, so your body is prepared to tackle the next day, Ward said. In humid places, just use a fan.
Finding ways to stay hydrated and lower your body temperature are paramount. You can do this by drinking lots of fluids, wetting clothing, or putting cold water or a cold rag on your hands, feet, armpits, and neck. A portable handheld fan or a cooling vest can also help.
If you’re exercising, avoid the hottest times of day and bring more water than you think you need.
Know heat illness symptoms
Heat illness symptoms can vary by person, said Bharat Venkat, director of the US-based University of California, Los Angeles Heat Lab.
Medications or underlying conditions can also make it harder to regulate body temperature or notice you’re getting too hot.
Early trouble signs include heavy sweating, muscle cramps and headache. That’s when you stop what you’re doing and cool yourself off – for example, by splashing yourself with cold water or finding an air-conditioned space.
As heat exhaustion sets in, new symptoms arrive, including a faster heart rate and dizziness. Next comes heat stroke, which can include confusion, slurred words, and fainting.
Ward said that’s when to call emergency services.
“Don’t be embarrassed to call [for emergency help] or go to urgent care when you think you might have overdone it in the heat,” he said.
