Summer 2025 is off to a scorching, record breaking start in the UK and across Europe. Heatwaves mean many countries have had their hottest June ever, including England and Spain. The heat has caused serious problems in many areas, including wildfires, evacuations, school closures, and huge pressure on power grids. It showcases that many cities simply aren’t equipped to handle the conditions. They need big changes to housing, public and commercial architecture, infrastructure, and public spaces to protect residents and visitors.

Luckily, a number of cities have been very active in addressing the heatwave issue. It is great news too because they are going to be a common problem in the future. In fact, meteorologists are warning it is now simply a case of how often we get heatwaves and how long they will last. We want to have a closer look at some of the strategies here to see how they help.

Antwerp, Belgium

Traditionally, Belgium’s climate is similar to England. However, heatwaves are causing urban heat stress in many areas. Antwerp has a really interesting strategy. They have created numerous cool spots in priority areas across the city. They offer greenery, shade, seating, and access to drinking water. Crucially, trees and getting rid of paving keeps them cooler. In a broader strategy, they are also working to make the city greener and depaving in different areas.

Valencia, Spain

One of the most impressive cities in Spain, Valencia traditionally has hot summers because of the Mediterranean climate. However, severe heatwaves are causing massive problems for the city, residents, and visitors. Just two years ago they recorded the highest temperature ever, 46.8 degrees Celsius. This was also the second highest temperature in the country’s history.

Since 2022 Valencia has been working on establishing climate centres across the city. They create safe, cool environments where people can shelter from the heat. In total they have chosen 1,100 potential centres. Currently, 20 are up and running. It shows how important cool public and commercial architecture is.

Toulouse, France

Next we have another traditionally warm, Mediterranean city that is suffering from more frequent severe heatwaves. Toulouse has one of the most impressive plans to tackle the urban heat island. It highlights 30 different measures, including urban greening and redesigning public spaces.

One of the most interesting strategies here is to use different types of shading structures, including sail shades and pergolas. They help to create spaces where people can rest in the shade.

Guimaraes, Portugal

This lovely Portuguese city is full of history, including many stunning medieval buildings. The town centre is a UNESCO site because of the wealth of culture. However, it is facing problems with summer heatwaves. It is harder to tackle the problem too because of the city’s status.

Luckily, Guimaraes is taking steps to adapt and also preserve the history. Notably, they have a strategy that focuses on nature-based solutions, including green and blue corridors to tackle urban heating. More trees and greenery provides protection against heat and improves air quality too.

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London is another city that needs a strategy to respond to the danger of heatwaves. It is common now for the area to experience temperatures in the mid to high 30s. Just a few years ago the record for hottest ever day was broken, exceeding 40 Celsius.

There are a number of important things to look at here, including how to keep conditions stable in commercial architecture and public buildings. Good designs are vital, including natural ventilation and passive cooling. They can prevent properties from overheating but without relying on air conditioning systems that consume a lot of energy.

So, if you want help to create buildings able to withstand heatwaves, we’d be happy to assist you. Get in touch and let’s get started.