Europe’s map turns ‘red’: Central Albania among the areas hardest hit by the heatwave

Central Albania is emerging as the most affected area by the heatwave that has swept across Europe, with maximum temperatures which, according to a map published by the World Health Organization (WHO), fall into the highest risk categories, above 35°C and in some areas close to 40°C.

The latest WHO maps of maximum temperatures in the European Region, based on data from June 23, 2026, show that Albania ranks among the hottest countries on the continent. While coastal and mountainous areas show somewhat more moderate temperatures, the central part of the country, including the regions of Tirana, Elbasan, Fier, and Lushnje, is covered in dark orange and red colors, which on the WHO map represent the highest temperatures.

The interpretation of the map shows that Albania lies within the same heat belt as parts of Greece, southern Italy, and the southern Balkans, while only areas of Spain, southern France, and parts of Turkey show even higher intensity.

“Europe is burning”

According to the WHO report, the heatwave affecting Europe is causing severe consequences. People are struggling to sleep. Emergency departments are becoming overcrowded, while ambulance services are recording a record number of calls. In France, emergency medical calls have increased by up to 50% in some cities.

In London, last week recorded the highest number of life-threatening incident calls ever handled by the ambulance service in a single day. Spain’s mortality monitoring system has already estimated over 300 excess heat-related deaths within just a few days. Italy reported five deaths within 24 hours.

Europe is warming at more than twice the global average rate. Heatwaves are no longer rare or unusual events. They have become recurring crises, increasingly frequent, more intense, and longer lasting. Every summer we fail to prepare for them is paid for in human lives.

However, there is reason for optimism: preventive measures work. This is known because the results can be measured. Estimates suggest that heat-related deaths in Europe in 2023 would have been about 80% higher if adaptation measures had not been implemented.

For people over the age of 80, the number of fatalities could have been twice as high. Heat health action plans, early warning systems, cooling spaces, and support for the most vulnerable are not just administrative procedures. They are saving lives every day and must be implemented more widely across the European Region.

What you can do today, according to WHO

If you do not have air conditioning and most people in Northern Europe do not, the advice is simple and low-cost. Keep curtains and blinds closed during the day to prevent heat from entering. Open windows at night when temperatures drop. Drink water before you feel thirsty and avoid sugary drinks, alcohol, and caffeine. Avoid sun exposure during midday hours.

Also, check on neighbors and elderly relatives. A phone call costs nothing but can save a life. Around 60% of patients admitted to hospital after emergency visits during this heatwave are people aged 75 and over. Many of these hospitalizations could have been prevented.

What cities and governments are doing and what still needs to be done

According to WHO, some countries and cities are showing what good preparedness looks like. Barcelona has expanded its network of climate shelters this summer to more than 500 spaces, including libraries, community centers, parks, and pharmacies. Paris has activated a registry to monitor the well-being of elderly and vulnerable people, and has restricted public alcohol sales to reduce pressure on emergency services.

Italy has introduced restrictions on outdoor work during the hottest hours of the day in some regions, also providing compensation schemes so workers do not lose income. These are just a few examples of practical and scalable measures. Every city in Europe should have a similar plan.

Hospitals are also facing extreme pressure, not only due to the increase in patient numbers but also because of the extreme temperatures themselves. Cooling systems are failing, medical equipment is experiencing malfunctions, and healthcare staff are exhausted, as nighttime temperatures do not drop enough to allow proper rest. In some cases, hospital wards have been described as unsuitable for providing adequate care under such conditions.

“KORÇA BOOM”