The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that Europe could face several more weeks of dangerous heat as another intense heatwave builds across the region, raising concerns over heat-related illnesses and deaths.
According to WHO Regional Director for Europe, Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge, countries must treat extreme heat as a major public health emergency rather than simply a seasonal weather event. Forecasts indicate that temperatures could climb as high as 43°C in parts of Portugal and southern Spain, while France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and other neighbouring countries are also expected to experience another surge in extreme heat.
The warning comes just weeks after Europe experienced one of its most severe heatwaves in recent years, which placed enormous pressure on healthcare systems, triggered widespread wildfires, and resulted in thousands of heat-related illnesses across the continent. Health experts say older adults, young children, pregnant women, outdoor workers, and people living with chronic conditions remain the most vulnerable to extreme temperatures.
WHO officials said countries that already have heat-health action plans responded more effectively during the previous heatwave by issuing timely public alerts, protecting vulnerable populations, and coordinating emergency services. However, the organisation noted that fewer than half of the countries in the WHO European Region currently have comprehensive national plans to manage heat-related health risks.
The agency is urging governments to strengthen emergency preparedness by improving early warning systems, expanding access to cooling centres, protecting healthcare infrastructure, and ensuring that vulnerable groups receive timely assistance during periods of extreme heat. Better coordination among health authorities, meteorological agencies, urban planners, and emergency responders is also considered essential to reducing heat-related deaths.
Health experts are advising residents in affected areas to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight during the hottest hours of the day, wear lightweight clothing, and regularly check on elderly relatives and neighbours. People are also encouraged to seek medical attention immediately if they experience symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, rapid heartbeat, or signs of heat exhaustion.
Scientists continue to warn that climate change is increasing both the frequency and intensity of heatwaves across Europe. As temperatures continue to rise, public health authorities say long-term investments in climate adaptation and heat preparedness will be essential to protecting lives and reducing the health impacts of future extreme weather events.
