Heatwaves drive urban temperature rises and health risks

Rising temperatures and the urban heat island effect are creating significant environmental and health challenges. In Swiss cities such as Zurich, Basel, and Geneva, dense construction using asphalt, concrete, and glass traps heat, preventing nighttime cooling and making urban centers several degrees warmer than surrounding rural areas. MeteoSchweiz reports that 2025 was one of the hottest years on record for the region, with a clear upward trend in heat days exceeding 30 degrees Celsius.

Beyond urban infrastructure concerns, extreme heat is linked to increasing health risks. Research published in ‘The Lancet’ indicates that rising temperatures and increased atmospheric pressure are associated with a higher risk of strokes and increased mortality rates. Scientists suggest that dehydration-induced factors, such as electrolyte imbalances and changes in blood viscosity, may play a role in these neurological and cardiovascular complications.