Surviving the 40°C Weekend: Heatstroke Signs Every Expat Must Know

Swiss Medical Services
Jun 27
2 min read

Prague and the rest of the Czech Republic are currently bracing for one of the most extreme weather events in recent history. The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (ČHMÚ) has issued a red alert—its highest warning level—as temperatures this weekend are forecast to approach or even exceed 40°C.

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If the thermometer climbs past 40.4°C, it will officially break the country’s all-time historical temperature record, which was set in Dobřichovice in August 2012. This is not just uncomfortable; it is a severe public health risk.

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To make matters worse, meteorologists classify the current conditions as "supertropical nights," where overnight temperatures fail to drop below 20°C. In fact, the Klementinum weather station in central Prague recently recorded a night where temperatures never fell below 23.7°C. When the night air doesn't cool down, your body never gets a chance to recover from the daytime heat.

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Here is what every expat needs to know to survive this unprecedented heat dome.

Heat Exhaustion vs. Heatstroke: Know the Difference

Expats often underestimate the Central European sun, thinking it is milder than in Southern Europe. However, with the urban heat island effect, a 35°C day can translate to 38°C or even 40°C on a dense Prague street surrounded by concrete.

World Meteorological Organization WMO

It is vital to know when your body is simply hot and when it is entering a medical emergency.

Heat Exhaustion (The Warning Zone) If you are walking around the city and begin to feel unwell, look out for these signs:

Heavy, profuse sweating.
Skin that feels cold, pale, or clammy.
A rapid but weak pulse.
Muscle cramps, nausea, or intense dizziness.

Action: You must get out of the sun immediately. Drink cool water, find an air-conditioned space, and rest.

Heatstroke (The Emergency Zone) If heat exhaustion is ignored, it quickly turns into heatstroke, a life-threatening condition where the body’s cooling system completely shuts down.

A dangerously high core body temperature (above 39°C).
No sweating: The skin will be hot, red, and completely dry.
A throbbing headache and extreme confusion or delirium.
A rapid, exceptionally strong pulse.

Action: This requires immediate medical intervention. Call the Czech emergency line (155) or the European emergency number (112) right away. Do not give the person fluids to drink if they are losing consciousness.

Stay Safe and Hydrated

To protect yourself, avoid outdoor activities during peak afternoon hours. Keep in mind that older adults, young children, pregnant women, and those living with chronic illnesses face the highest risks.

World Meteorological Organization WMO

If the heatwave leaves you feeling depleted, dehydrated, or suffering from a severe headache that will not go away, fast hydration is critical. At Swiss Medical Services, our supervised IV Hydration Therapy bypasses the digestive system to deliver essential fluids and electrolytes directly into your bloodstream.

Stay indoors, stay cool, and listen to your body.

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