Heatwave in Europe: The Impacts of Heat

In June 2025, Europe experienced an exceptional heatwave with record temperatures: up to 46.6 °C in Spain and Portugal, the warmest June since 1884 in the UK, and numerous days over 40 °C in Central Europe. Data show that June 2025 was one of the hottest Junes in Europe’s history, with average temperatures about 2.5 °C higher than a century ago. In Switzerland, temperatures rose by 3.7 °C compared to the 1991–2020 average. This extreme heat caused health risks, wildfires, and disruptions to daily life.

To better understand and respond to these developments, reliable data are essential. The Swiss Federal Office for the Environment (BAFU) provides current information on drought and risks through the National Drought Platform.

The consequences of heatwaves are wide-ranging, affecting health, ecosystems, agriculture, and infrastructure. A comprehensive overview of these impacts can be found in an informativ article on "dieumwelt".

As extreme weather events become more frequent and severe due to climate change, sensor-based monitoring networks play an increasingly important role. They support informed decision-making and help strengthen resilience against heat and drought.

Devices for urban climate monitoring: 
DL-BLG, DL-WRM, DL-ATM22, DL-SHT35