A powerful heatwave has swept across Germany, leaving many residents in Berlin struggling to cope with intense indoor heat.

Over the weekend, Berlin recorded its hottest spell of the summer so far, with temperatures reaching nearly 40 degrees Celsius. The extreme heat has had a visible impact on daily life, from public transportation and street-side shops to private homes.

According to Germany's meteorological service of the Deutscher Wetterdienst, the heatwave has been driven by a persistent high-pressure system over Central and Western Europe. Hot air masses from North Africa have been drawn into the region and remained trapped under the high-pressure system for several days. Clear skies and strong sunshine have further intensified surface heating.

As a result, temperatures in many parts of Germany in June have far exceeded the typical range of 25 to 30 degrees Celsius for this time of year.

As most ordinary residential buildings in Germany lack air conditioning, residents have been forced to cope with indoor heat with limited means.

"I can only pull down the blinds to prevent direct sunlight from coming in, and close doors and windows, turn on the electric fan," one resident said.

"I basically don't stay at home. I go looking for cool places. During the day, I close the windows and draw the curtains. I hope my home won't get too hot," said another resident.

"I only have an electric fan. I will close the windows during the day and open them at night. I also draw the curtains during the day to prevent the sun from shining directly in. That's all, and there aren't really any other solutions," said a resident.

Except for Germany, the record-shattering heatwave has tightened its grip on many countries in Europe, leaving casualties, causing power outages, forcing landmarks to close or reduce opening hours and straining health systems, as scientists warned the continent is entering a new era of extreme summers driven by climate change.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

Heatwave grips Germany with nearly 40 degrees Celsius in Berlin

Berlin, Germany - June 28, 2026 (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland)

1. Various of pedestrians

2. People resting on benches

3. Various of people sitting outside; pedestrians

4. People getting off train

5. Bottle being filled with water

6. Mobile phone showing temperature at 38 degrees Celsius

7. Various of residential building; umbrellas used to prevent sunshine, heat

8. SOUNDBITE (German) resident (name not given):

"I can only pull down the blinds to prevent direct sunlight from coming in, and close doors and windows, turn on the electric fan."

9. SOUNDBITE (German) resident (name not given):

"I basically don't stay at home. I go looking for cool places. During the day, I close the windows and draw the curtains. I hope my home won't get too hot."

10. SOUNDBITE (German) resident (name not given):

"I only have an electric fan. I will close the windows during the day and open them at night. I also draw the curtains during the day to prevent the sun from shining directly in. That's all, and there aren't really any other solutions."

11. Various of residential building with window opened