Europe is warming faster than any other continent, and the rising temperatures are turning extreme heat into a major public health emergency. The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that heatwaves are becoming more frequent and deadly, putting growing pressure on hospitals, emergency services and healthcare workers across the region.

According to WHO Europe, temperatures across the continent are increasing at nearly twice the global average. The impact is already visible, with nearly 10,000 excess heat-related deaths reported this summer from just five European countries. Officials say the final death toll is expected to be even higher as more data becomes available.

To help countries prepare for worsening heatwaves, WHO Europe has released a new package of technical guidance and updated Heat–Health Action Plan (HHAP) recommendations for the 2026 summer season. The guidance aims to improve preparedness, strengthen health systems and protect vulnerable populations from the health risks of extreme heat.

Hospitals have emerged as one of the biggest challenges during heatwaves. Rising temperatures can lead to a sharp increase in emergency admissions while also disrupting power supplies, cooling systems and information technology services. Many hospitals, particularly those located in densely populated cities, are affected by the "urban heat island" effect, where built-up areas become significantly hotter than surrounding regions.

WHO said healthcare workers are also at risk, with prolonged exposure to heat contributing to stress, fatigue and burnout.

Romania has already begun adapting its healthcare infrastructure. At Buhuși Hospital, cooling spaces have been created for people suffering from heatstroke, drinking water is readily available, and medical teams have been trained to identify early signs of heat exhaustion. The hospital is also seeking funding to install a high-efficiency cooling system across the entire facility.

Across Europe, WHO is supporting countries through its Hospital Safety Initiative, which uses the Hospital Safety Index to assess whether hospitals can continue functioning during emergencies. The assessment now includes climate-related risks such as extreme temperatures, power failures, water shortages and the impact of heat on patients and healthcare staff.

Countries including Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Poland and Ukraine have already carried out these assessments with WHO support to improve the climate resilience of their healthcare systems.

The United Kingdom has also strengthened its response through a national Heat–Health Action Plan. Managed by the UK Health Security Agency, the plan uses a colour-coded alert system developed with the national weather service to guide health authorities, local governments and the public during periods of extreme heat.

The system was tested this year when temperatures reached a record 35.1°C in May, prompting amber health alerts. In June, authorities issued red alerts as temperatures climbed to an unprecedented 37.7°C in parts of the country, highlighting the growing need for long-term adaptation as much of Britain's infrastructure was not designed for such intense heat.

WHO's newly updated Heat–Health Action Plan guidance provides countries with a practical framework to develop or strengthen their heat response strategies. The document outlines eight key elements for planning, coordination and implementation and includes five action briefs tailored to different sectors, along with ready-to-use public health messages to help people protect themselves during hot weather.

The guidance places particular emphasis on reaching vulnerable communities through clear and accessible communication using digital platforms, traditional media and community networks.

WHO said tackling Europe's heat crisis requires global cooperation because climate change is a worldwide challenge. The organisation noted that United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has urged all countries to develop Heat–Health Action Plans and strengthen international collaboration to address the growing threat of extreme heat.

Climate resilience has also been made a key priority under WHO Europe's Second European Programme of Work (2026–2030), which focuses on strengthening health security and preparing countries for climate-related emergencies.

Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, said more than 200,000 people have died due to heat across the region over the past four years, while heat-related mortality has increased by 30% over the last two decades.

"Our Region is the fastest-warming globally. But heat deaths are not inevitable. We know how to protect people—by warning communities early, making cities cooler, ensuring access to water and shade, checking on those most at risk, and preparing health systems before temperatures peak," he said.