Staying cool in Europe's blazing summer
Germany is experiencing record temperatures. What can people do to survive the heatwave? Pull down the blinds and turn on the air-con? DW takes a look at how Europe is coping with the summer.
A giant public shower
In the Lithuanian capital Vilnius, a young boy cools down in a public fountain. The Baltic States in northern Europe have also been experiencing record temperatures. It was over 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit) on June 26 in Vilnius.
Hoping for some sea breeze
The best place to be right now in Germany is by the sea. At this beach in Schleswig-Holstein, the temperatures were below 30 degrees Celsius this week. That is almost cool compared to southern Europe. But temperatures of over 40 degrees Celsius are also forecast in Germany next week.
Cooling off as much as possible
Mallorca has been experiencing a heatwave for some time now, with temperatures as high as 39 degrees Celsius. The hot air is coming from North Africa to Central Europe via Spain. The authorities have called on the population to be careful in the extreme heat. This fountain in Palma de Mallorca is providing some respite.
Taking a plunge in the Kiel Fjord
In some German cities, temperatures are expected to rise to 42 degrees Celsius next week, breaking all records so far. In July 2019, a record temperature of 40.3 degrees Celsius was recorded at Cologne/Bonn Airport. In Kiel in northern Germany, it was "only" 31 degrees when these young men jumped into the water in 2021. This year, the temperatures have been similar.
Fanning away the heat
The temperatures have been rising in Germany for decades now and so has the demand for fans. People can also try to keep their homes from turning into saunas by using blinds, curtains, and screens. However, the only real long-term solution is to renovate a building to make it more energy-efficient.
Beating the heat with hand-held fans
Folding fans can also provide some pleasant air. These first came to Europe from China in the 16th century on Portuguese ships. In the 18th century, they became an important accessory for women who wanted to protect themselves from the sunrays and mosquitoes. Fans also helped them to hide or express certain feelings. These days, the craft of fan-making is almost extinct in Europe.
Umbrellas are not just for the rain
People have been using umbrellas to protect themselves from the sun in Europe since the 16th century. But in Egypt, Persia, and China, they have been used for much longer and were often considered a status symbol for royals and other dignitaries. They still adorn Buddhist temples in Myanmar and Thailand. These days, tourists from Rome, such as here, to Madrid use them to shield off the rays.
Drinking to keep cool
Plain water can be boring. Why not jazz it up a little with cucumber, mint, lemon juice and ice? It is particularly important to stay hydrated in summer and a cool drink is as refreshing in the heat as a cup of tea or mulled wine in winter.
A green air-con system
The house of the Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser (1928-2000) is an oasis in the middle of the Austrian capital Vienna. Over 200 trees and bushes on the balconies, terraces and roof protect the exterior walls from the sun and ensure that the interior remains cool.
A refreshing bird bath
It is not only humans who are suffering from the heat and seeking cooler spots. Many birds and animals are also not used to such temperatures. This sparrow has found a fountain to cool down in.