Purab, who lives in Germany, brings down all the shutters even before noon.
German apartments are structured in such a way that the top floor usually has slanted roofs. So, this kind of space is called an attic floor. As you can see in my apartment, sunlight comes directly into the apartment. And there are slanted windows on the other side as well. So, when the sun moves to that side, sunlight starts coming directly inside from there. My biggest loss during this heatwave was my plants because I am very fond of plants. But during this heatwave, I think four of my plants died, including these two.
Usually, India’s heatwaves make the headlines. But this year, Europe’s heatwave has shocked everyone. Temperatures have crossed 40°C, water is being sprayed on people in public places to help them cool down, and in Germany alone, reports have put the number of heat-related deaths at around 10,000.
After seeing all this on social media, people started discussing what exactly is different about Europe’s heatwave that is making everyone struggle so much. Even Indians living here have been talking about it. We always consider Europe to have a mild summer. But this time, it feels almost uncontrollable.
I think this is the hottest summer we have experienced. I don’t even have any interest in taking a vacation. So, why is a temperature of 40°C that can be endured in India becoming so difficult to handle in Germany? https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/13/weather/europe-heat-wave-extreme-heat-warning.html
Air and Humidity In Germany
The air that has arrived here has come from the North Atlantic and has brought moisture with it. This moisture increases the heat stress. Our bodies produce sweat in order to reduce body temperature. But if there is more moisture in the air, sweat does not evaporate as effectively, and the body is unable to cool itself properly.A 2017 NASA article explained that microscopic particles from pollution can prevent some sunlight from reaching the ground, which can reduce temperatures. So, we asked Professor Christoph, who teaches at the University of Bonn, whether pollution can actually make the sun’s rays feel less intense.
“This is speculative. It is an assumption. But you could say that when there is more pollution, the sun’s radiation is less likely to reach your body directly.”
What Is a Heat Dome?
According to reports, another factor behind this year’s record-breaking heat is the so-called “heat dome.”
Experts point out that “heat dome” is not actually a scientific term, but a term created and popularized by the media. Retired University of Bonn professor Andreas explained the phenomenon. “The lower part of the atmosphere cools down overnight, but heat remains trapped in the upper layers. The next day, when sunlight appears again and the lower part of the atmosphere heats up, more heat reaches the upper layers. This is how a heat dome develops.”
Andreas also emphasized that temperatures have risen across many parts of Europe partly because there can be around 18 hours of sunlight during summer, and in northern parts of Europe, daylight can last for as long as 24 hours.
The Problem Doesn’t End Outside
The scorching and intense sunlight is not the only problem. Many people have also struggled with extreme heat inside their apartments.
“After 11 a.m., it becomes very uncomfortable. That’s why I usually prefer going to work because we have shutters and blinds there, as well as a fan. In my apartment, I don’t have a fan.”
Even at night, things have not been comfortable.
“In the past, our nights here were much more comfortable. Generally, people survive the heat with fans and ventilators.”
Why Are German Homes Not Designed for Extreme Heat?
Andreas Becker, who works with Germany’s weather service, explained why many German homes are designed this way.
“Much of the infrastructure was built to protect people from the cold, not from the heat. When it comes to heat, we still have limitations.”
There are still many homes with large windows designed to allow sunlight to enter during winter.
Whether at home or in public places, people are complaining about the lack of cooling systems in Germany.
According to available figures, only around 6% of homes in Germany have central cooling systems.
“We actually do not have widespread air conditioning.”
Even hospitals, where vulnerable and sick people are being treated, do not necessarily have air conditioning everywhere.
Air conditioning is not a common feature here, and we have to adjust.https://unbiasedpollkhol.com/
Why Installing Air Conditioning Isn’t Easy
People also explained that installing air conditioning in German homes is not always easy.
“Some students are buying ACs, but not everyone can afford one. An AC here costs around €300–€400. Many of us who come from other countries live in rented homes, and if you want to install air conditioning, you need a lot of permissions.”
“So, if all of this becomes easier, it would be better. Germany and Europe should consider air conditioning not as a luxury, but as a necessity in the coming years.”
What Is the Government Doing?
We are actually looking to Asia for examples. We are looking at countries like India and Japan. In Japan, for example, there are public cooling rooms, and we are also discussing whether something similar could be introduced here.” “We also want to establish insulation standards for every new building. And if people move into buildings that meet these insulation standards, they could receive subsidies for proper insulation and cooling installations.
Europe May Need to Rethink Its Approach to Heat
Overall, there are several factors that make extreme heat more difficult to tolerate in parts of Europe.
The problem is not simply the temperature on the thermometer. Humidity, intense sunlight, long daylight hours, building design, poor insulation against heat, limited air conditioning and a lack of public cooling infrastructure can all make a heatwave much harder to endure.
For now, the hope is that governments across Europe will be better prepared in the coming years and that measures such as improved insulation, public cooling spaces and easier access to cooling systems will become part of Europe’s strategy for dealing with increasingly frequent and intense heatwaves.