In Casteltermini, Sicily, the thermometer read 46.9 degrees on July 18; in Rome, the temperature has barely dropped below 25 degrees at night for weeks. The best protection against Heat Wave in Europe is less spectacular than the records: drinking before you get thirsty, spending the midday hours in a cool place, airing out the house at night, and keeping everything closed up during the day. And checking in daily to see how the elderly, the children, and the animals are doing.
This guide compiles the recommendations for hot days issued by the Italian Ministry of Health, the Federal Institute for Public Health, the Red Cross, and animal welfare organizations. You’ll find statistics on the situation in 2026, information on at-risk groups, specific measures for your home, daily life, and car, as well as warning signs that indicate you should call emergency services immediately.
Seven Tips for Heat Protection
Drink two to three liters of water throughout the day; limit physical activity to early morning or evening; stay in the shade between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Air out your home at night and early in the morning; keep windows and shutters closed during the day. Light meals with a high water content, light-colored and loose-fitting clothing, and a hat.
Call or visit elderly relatives, people with chronic illnesses, and neighbors who live alone every day. Never leave children or pets in a parked car, not even for two minutes.
If the person is confused, has hot, dry skin, or is disoriented, it is a medical emergency: dial 112 in Italy; in Germany and Austria, also dial 112.
As of July 2026 · Data from the Ministry of Health and the Federal Institute for Public Health.
How extreme will the heat be in Europe in 2026?
The summer of 2026 brought Western Europe its hottest June on record. At the same time, the EU climate service Copernicus reported the warmest ocean surface temperatures ever recorded in June: a global average of 20.86 degrees on June 21. A warm Mediterranean Sea is helping to heat the air over southern Italy and preventing it from cooling down at night.
Records have been piling up ever since. In Germany, the all-time high was set at the end of June: 41.8 degrees in Möckern-Drewitz, Saxony-Anhalt, surpassing the previous record of 41.2 degrees set in July 2019. That same night, the temperature on the Weinbiet in the Palatinate did not drop below 28.2 degrees. Paris reached 40.3 degrees, 45.1 degrees were recorded in Andalusia, and Gosport in southern England set a new June record at 36.1 degrees.
In Italy, the heat is hitting the south and the islands the hardest. On July 18, Sicily’s Civil Protection Agency reported temperatures of 46.9 degrees in Casteltermini, 45.8 degrees in Mazzarino, and 45.7 degrees near Caltanissetta. The fourth major heat wave of the summer has been underway since the end of July, with highs around 41 degrees and nighttime temperatures remaining above 25 degrees in many places.
This Summer's Record Figures
Four data points show why this summer is different from the hot summers of the past.
As of July 2026 · Data from Copernicus, the German Weather Service, Protezione Civile Sicilia, and EFFIS.
Who is particularly at risk in hot weather?
Heat puts a strain on the circulatory system because the body releases heat through the skin and redirects blood to the surface to do so. People who can no longer regulate this process effectively quickly run into trouble. People aged 65 and older—particularly those around 75 and older—as well as infants, toddlers, pregnant women, and people with chronic illnesses are considered to be at especially high risk.
Several factors come into play for older adults. The sensation of thirst diminishes with age, sweat production decreases, and the heart and kidneys become less efficient. People who live alone, require care, or have dementia often do not realize on their own that their home has become too hot.
In addition, there are groups that are easily overlooked in everyday life: people with heart failure, diabetes, kidney or respiratory diseases, people with mental health conditions, the homeless, and anyone who does physical labor outdoors. In a circular dated June 25, 2026, the Italian Ministry of Health explicitly urged the regions to actively monitor at-risk individuals through family doctors and community services, rather than waiting for someone to ask for help on their own.
Hydration, Timing, Clothing: The Basic Rules
Two to three liters spread out over the course of the day is the recommended amount for healthy adults; water or unsweetened tea is best. Sugary sodas and alcohol cause the body to lose even more fluid. The key is how you spread out your intake: drinking small amounts regularly is better than taking one big gulp in the evening.
There is one exception that is mentioned far too rarely. Anyone with heart failure or kidney disease, or who is taking diuretics, should not simply increase their fluid intake but should consult their family doctor first. For this group, drinking too much fluid can be just as dangerous as drinking too little.
When it comes to timing, follow the Italian Ministry of Health’s rule of thumb: avoid direct sunlight between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Save sports, gardening, or long sightseeing tours for early morning or late evening. When it comes to eating, opt for small, frequent meals with a high water content—such as fruits, vegetables, and salads. Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing made of natural fibers, along with a hat and sunglasses, and apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to any exposed skin.
How do you keep your apartment cool?
The Italian method dates back centuries and still works best: ventilate by opening windows on opposite sides of the room at night and in the early morning hours, then close the windows and the shutters (the exterior shutters) down. Exterior sun protection is much more effective than interior curtains because it prevents heat from even getting through the window in the first place.
The Federal Institute for Public Health recommends a room temperature of less than 26 degrees during the day and less than 20 degrees at night. A fan is helpful up to a room temperature of about 35 degrees; above that, it merely blows hot air against the skin and puts additional strain on the circulatory system. If you have air conditioning, don’t set it to refrigerator-level cold, but rather to a few degrees below the outside temperature.
Small actions with a big impact: Turn off the oven and clothes dryer, take electronic devices off standby, hang up damp towels, and take lukewarm showers instead of ice-cold ones. In a vacation rental without air conditioning, it’s worth choosing the bedroom on the coolest side of the building—and, if necessary, moving to a different room for a few nights.
Up to 41 degrees this weekend: Heat and risk of severe weather in the mountains
Between Friday and Sunday, temperatures in Italy will reach up to 41 degrees, while severe thunderstorms are expected in the mountainous regions.
What Older and Vulnerable People Need Right Now
The most effective protection for elderly family members isn’t a device, but a person who checks in on them. A regular phone call in the afternoon, when the apartment is at its hottest, serves two purposes: Has she drunk enough today, and is she still thinking clearly? If you live nearby, it’s better to check in on her one too many times.
In practice, a visible drinking schedule helps. A full carafe on the kitchen table—which should be empty by evening—works better than any reminder. Do your shopping during the midday heat, make sure your room stays cool, and find out where the nearest air-conditioned place is—such as a library, a shopping center, or a church.
One point that is often overlooked: Medications can have different effects in hot weather. The Austrian Ministry of Social Affairs expressly warns against adjusting dosages on your own during the summer. This is a matter best discussed with your family doctor, preferably before the next heat wave hits.
These medications require a consultation during the summer
| Diuretics | Diuretics | Increased fluid and salt loss; risk of dehydration |
| Blood Pressure Medication | ACE inhibitors, sartans, beta-blockers | Heat causes blood vessels to dilate anyway, so blood pressure can drop too much |
| Psychotropic Drugs | Antidepressants, Antiepileptic Drugs | Changes in sweating and thirst increase the risk of heatstroke |
| Diabetes Medications | Insulin, oral antidiabetic drugs | Effects may vary; hypoglycemia is possible |
| Pain relievers | Ibuprofen, Diclofenac | Puts a strain on the kidneys when there isn't enough fluid |
| Storage | all products | Most medications should be stored below 25 °C; insulin should be kept in the refrigerator |
Never adjust the dose on your own. Dizziness, palpitations, headache, or confusion are reasons to seek medical advice.
As of July 2026 · Data provided by the Austrian Ministry of Social Affairs and the Federal Institute for Public Health.
Toddlers and Babies: What Parents Need to Know
Young children overheat more quickly than adults. They have a larger body surface area relative to their weight, sweat less effectively, and rarely say on their own that they’re too hot. Babies under one year of age should therefore never be exposed to direct sunlight; for toddlers, the rule on hot days is: play indoors or in deep shade between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.
When you drink, everything shifts upward. Children between the ages of two and six typically need 750 milliliters to one liter a day; when temperatures exceed 30 degrees, this amount can triple. Breastfed infants should not be given tea or additional water; instead, they should be breastfed more frequently.
Sun protection works best through fabric. For babies, long, lightweight clothing, a hat with a neck flap, and a sunshade are more important than sunscreen. Starting on their first birthday, add sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, applied about 30 minutes before going outside. And as for the stroller: a cloth draped over the canopy traps heat underneath; a permanently mounted sunshade and good air circulation are better options.
Warning Signs Parents Should Take Seriously
Dry lips, significantly fewer wet diapers, unusual lethargy, headaches, nausea, or heavy sweating are signs of early heat exhaustion. In that case, move the child immediately into the shade, loosen their clothing, and have them drink in small sips.
On the other hand, a high fever, hot, dry skin, a severe headache, or a lethargic child are medical emergencies. In this case, dial 112 and keep the child cool until emergency services arrive.
The most important rule is still the simplest one: Never leave children in a parked car. Even in the shade and with the window slightly open, the temperature inside can rise to life-threatening levels within minutes.
As of July 2026 · Data from the Federal Institute for Public Health.
Pets in Hot Weather: Dogs, Cats, and Small Animals
Dogs don’t sweat—they pant. But at 35 degrees in the shade, that’s no longer enough, and the ground makes it even worse. FOUR PAWS has done the math: Even at an air temperature of 25 degrees, asphalt heats up to as high as 52 degrees. The back-of-the-hand test takes seven seconds and settles any debate.
In everyday life, this means: taking them for walks early in the morning and late in the evening, choosing grassy areas over sidewalks, and always bringing water along. Set up water stations in several places around the house; a shallow wading pool in the shade is also helpful. Outdoor cats tend to go out at night anyway, but they need cool places to retreat to inside the home during the day.
Small animals are most at risk because they cannot escape their enclosures. A rabbit hutch on the balcony becomes a trap. The German Animal Welfare Association recommends pre-chilled stone slabs for them to rest on and damp cloths draped over the enclosure, along with ample shade at all times. Birds and hedgehogs in the garden also appreciate shallow water bowls; a few stones placed inside serve as landing spots for insects.
And the classic mistake that costs animals their lives every year: never leave an animal alone in a car. The interior can quickly reach 50 degrees or higher. If you see an animal suffering in a parked car in Italy, call the police at 112.
Is the ground too hot for a dog's paws?
Place the back of your hand flat on the asphalt for seven seconds. If you can't stand it, your dog can't stand it either. Burns on the paw pads show up as redness, swelling, blisters, or peeling skin.
First aid for burned paws: Rinse with cool running water, apply a loose bandage, then take the animal to the vet. Do not use ice, as it causes further damage to the tissue.
Warning signs of heatstroke in animals include heavy panting with the tongue hanging out, staggering, vomiting, and lethargy. Move the animal into the shade, moisten its legs and belly with cool—but not ice-cold—water, and take it to the veterinary clinic immediately.
As of July 2026 · Data provided by FOUR PAWS and the German Animal Welfare Association.
Recognizing Heat Stroke and Responding Properly
The difference between heat exhaustion and heatstroke is the difference between being uncomfortable and life-threatening. With heat exhaustion, the skin is pale, clammy, and cool, and the person feels weak and dizzy. Provide shade, elevate their legs, and give them something to drink: This usually improves the situation quickly.
Heatstroke occurs when the body’s temperature regulation fails. Typical symptoms include a body temperature above 40 degrees, hot and often dry skin, a rapid pulse, confusion, cramps, or loss of consciousness. This is a medical emergency requiring an immediate call to emergency services. Sunstroke, on the other hand, is caused by direct sunlight on the uncovered head and is characterized by a bright red face, a stiff neck, headache, and nausea—symptoms that often don’t appear until hours later.
One detail that matters in an emergency: If someone is unconscious, they should be placed in the recovery position and given nothing to drink. Anyone who has ever been to a hospital in Italy also knows how helpful the European Health Insurance Card is. Our overview of the A Doctor's Visit in Italy explains how family doctors, pharmacies, and emergency rooms work together.
What to Do If You Suspect Heat Stroke
- Immediately move the person to a shaded area or a cool room.
- Elevate the upper body and loosen any tight clothing.
- Dial 112 for emergency assistance, even if you're unsure.
- Cool the body with damp cloths, especially the head and neck; do not apply ice directly.
- Have responsive individuals drink in small sips—water or juice spritzer.
- If the person is dazed, elevate their legs; if they are unconscious, place them in the recovery position and do not give them anything to drink.
In Italy, you can reach the universal emergency number by dialing 112, and the ambulance service directly by dialing 118. During the summer, the Ministry of Health also activates the free heat hotline 1500, available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., for advice and regional assistance.
As of July 2026 · Data from the German Red Cross and the Ministero della Salute.
Red Alert: How Italy Warns of Heat Waves
Italy has its own early-warning system, and it is remarkably accurate. From May 25 through September 20, the Ministry of Health publishes daily bulletins for 27 cities, each with a forecast for today, tomorrow, and the day after tomorrow. The scale ranges from Level 0 to Level 3—colloquially referred to as green through red. bollino (literally: sticker).
On July 31, 2026, eleven cities were marked in red: Bolzano, Campobasso, Civitavecchia, Florence, Frosinone, Latina, Perugia, Rieti, Rome, Turin, and Viterbo. In mid-July, the number even reached 19 on some days. If you’re traveling to Italy this summer, it’s worth checking this map daily, just as it’s worth checking the Weather Forecast for Italy.
What the Bollino Colors Mean
| Level 0 – green | no danger | Weather conditions that pose no health risk |
| Level 1 – yellow | Advance Warning | Temperatures are rising; a heat wave is on the way |
| Level 2 – orange | Risk to Vulnerable Individuals | A burden, especially for the elderly, young children, and people with chronic illnesses |
| Level 3 – red | Heatwave | A Risk Even for Healthy, Active People |
The bulletins cover 27 cities and are published daily through September 20, 2026; they are available at salute.gov.it.
As of July 31, 2026 · Data from the Ministry of Health.
Working, Traveling, and Driving in Extreme Heat
For people who work outdoors, heat has long been a workplace safety issue. In 2026, several Italian regions enacted regulations prohibiting physically demanding outdoor work between 12:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. on days with a high risk of heat-related illness. The sectors affected include agriculture, horticulture, construction, mining, and logistics, including delivery services. Tuscany and Piedmont have extended their regulations through August 31, while Lazio and Apulia have extended theirs through September 15. The Worklimate platform, operated by INAIL and CNR, determines whether a day is classified as a high-risk day.
When traveling, there’s a simple rule of thumb: Every hour you spend during the cooler parts of the day saves you effort. Museums and churches aren’t just shaded at midday—they’re often air-conditioned, too. On car trips, let the air circulate briefly before getting in, bring water for all passengers, and keep in mind that traffic jams in the heat can quickly become a strain.
Added to this is the risk of wildfires. As of July 22, 2026, approximately 254,400 hectares have burned in the EU, with 1,254 major fires reported by mid-July—more than twice the average for the years 2006 through 2025. Open fires, barbecuing outside designated areas, and discarded cigarettes are not only prohibited during dry periods but can also be costly. If you see smoke, report it by calling 112 or 1515, the forestry authority’s number.
In a Nutshell
Heat waves in Europe are no longer exceptional events, but a recurring part of summer. Protection against them consists of a few rules that must be followed consistently: drink early in the day, avoid the midday heat, keep your home cool, and keep an eye on people and animals who cannot help themselves.
The next step for today: Save the number 1500 in your phone, check the Bollino map for your region, and call an older person who lives alone. If you're planning a trip right now, our overview of the Emergency Numbers in Italy and the article on Pets on Their Way to Italy.
