Germany braces for 40C heatwave, citizens seek ways to cool down

Germany is bracing for a severe heatwave, with the German Meteorological Service (DWD) predicting temperatures could reach up to 40 degrees Celsius in some areas. This extreme heat poses a significant challenge in a country where air conditioning is uncommon in households.

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Drinking a lot is what helps me the most to cope with the heat.

Citizens are adapting by seeking refuge from the peak temperatures, with many opting for early morning activities or spending time in shaded areas, like those found along Berlin's Spree River. Gerald, a retiree, shared his strategy of early rising and staying hydrated, noting that cycling becomes difficult in such heat, sometimes leading him to opt for the train.

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I go cycling a lot and with this weather it's almost impossible. That's why I'm an early riser. I get up at 5:00 in the morning. I cycle a few kilometers, then I go into the shade and continue in the afternoon.

Politicians are also feeling the heat. Kassem Taher Saleh, a Green Party lawmaker, plans to leave Berlin for the cooler coast, anticipating temperatures exceeding 35 degrees Celsius over the weekend. Meanwhile, in an effort to highlight the potential of urban waterways, around 500 people participated in a collective swim in the Spree, advocating for its use as a recreational area.

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This weekend it's going to be too hot in the city, it's going to be brutal.

However, the pursuit of relief has led to tragedy. The DWD issued warnings for "extreme heat" in several regions, and recent days have seen multiple drownings. Three men aged 23, 27, and 50 were recovered after disappearing while swimming in the Rhine River, and other young individuals have died in lakes and canals across the country. These incidents underscore the dangers associated with seeking respite in open water during the intense heat.

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Extreme heat in some areas!