Germany and Italy are grappling with extreme heatwaves this week, prompting widespread health alerts across both countries. The heat, driven by high humidity and unrelenting temperatures, poses significant health risks, particularly to vulnerable populations.

In Germany, the country is bracing for its hottest day of the year on Tuesday, with temperatures expected to soar close to 40°C (104°F). The German Weather Service (DWD) recorded a high of 35.7°C (96.3°F) on Monday in Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler, Rhineland-Palatinate, marking the highest temperature of the year so far. However, as the heatwave spreads northeastward, temperatures are anticipated to reach 37°C (98.6°F) in some regions, potentially setting a new record for 2024.

Adding to the discomfort, high humidity levels are expected to make it feel even hotter, complicating efforts to stay cool. The situation is exacerbated by “tropical nights,” where temperatures remain above 20°C (68°F) even after sunset, offering little respite from the heat.

In response, authorities have issued heat alerts across most of Germany, with only parts of the North and Baltic Sea coastlines spared. Level 2 and Level 3 heat warnings are in effect for areas in Baden-Württemberg, particularly around Schweighausen and Oberprechtal, northeast of Freiburg. The public is urged to take precautions, especially those most vulnerable to heat-related illnesses.

Meanwhile, Italy is also facing record-high temperatures as the country prepares for the Ferragosto holiday on August 15. After enduring an extreme heatwave last weekend, with temperatures exceeding 40°C (104°F) in some areas, the heat is expected to peak again this week, particularly in Sardinia and Sicily.

Although the current temperatures have not yet surpassed last year’s records, the heatwave’s impact is unusually widespread. On Monday, 17 cities, including Rome, Palermo, and Florence, were placed under the Ministry of Health’s red alert—the highest level of heat warning. By Tuesday, that number had risen to 19, and it is expected to reach a record 22 cities by Wednesday.

The red alert signifies a serious health risk to the general population, especially for the elderly, children, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions. Just five of Italy’s 27 major cities—Catania, Civitavecchia, Messina, Pescara, and Reggio Calabria—are under a lower yellow level of alert. Authorities have advised residents to stay indoors during the afternoon, avoid strenuous activity, and stay hydrated.

The current heatwave in Italy is expected to begin easing as the Ferragosto holiday approaches, with most of the country cooling down significantly by the weekend. Thursday and Friday may also bring relief in the form of cloudy skies and potential thunderstorms.

Europe, the fastest-warming continent on Earth, continues to experience increasingly severe heatwaves, a stark reminder of the accelerating impacts of human-caused climate change. As temperatures rise, so too does the urgency for adaptive measures to protect public health and mitigate future risks.