A new report from Climate Resilience for All has sounded the alarm on the intensifying heatwaves sweeping across European cities, with Tirana emerging as one of the continent’s hardest-hit urban centers. The Albanian capital ranks second in Europe, enduring 143 days per year with temperatures exceeding 32°C, just behind Athens with 145 days. This dramatic rise in prolonged heat periods, extending far beyond traditional summer months, poses severe risks to the health and well-being of Tirana’s residents and places unprecedented pressure on the city’s infrastructure.
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| At Tirana Lake, June, 2025 |
Tirana’s Heat Crisis
According to the report, Tirana’s 143 days of extreme heat—temperatures above 32°C—mark a significant departure from historical norms, with heatwaves now stretching across nearly five months of the year. This places the city ahead of other major European capitals like Lisbon (136 days) and Madrid (119 days), highlighting the acute challenge faced by this rapidly growing urban hub. The prolonged exposure to high temperatures is particularly concerning for vulnerable populations, including the elderly, children, and those with pre-existing health conditions, who face heightened risks of heat-related illnesses such as heatstroke and dehydration.
The phenomenon is exacerbated by the “urban heat island” effect, where Tirana’s concrete-heavy landscape and limited green spaces trap heat, making the city significantly warmer than surrounding rural areas. As the capital continues to urbanize, with new high-rise buildings and infrastructure projects transforming the skyline, the lack of sufficient parks, trees, and green roofs intensifies the problem. This urban design challenge amplifies temperatures, creating microclimates where daytime heat lingers into the night, offering residents little respite.
Health and Systemic Impacts
The health implications of these extended heatwaves are profound. The report warns that prolonged exposure to extreme heat increases the incidence of cardiovascular and respiratory illnesses, placing a growing burden on Tirana’s healthcare system. Hospitals and clinics, already stretched by the demands of a growing population, face challenges in managing the surge in heat-related cases during these extended hot periods. Emergency services are also strained, as heatwaves often coincide with increased demand for ambulances and medical interventions.
Beyond health, the prolonged heat impacts daily life in Tirana. Energy consumption spikes as residents rely heavily on air conditioning, putting pressure on the city’s power grid and raising concerns about sustainability and energy affordability. Small businesses, particularly those reliant on outdoor activities or lacking cooling systems, face economic disruptions, while workers in sectors like construction and street vending endure hazardous conditions.
A Changing Climate in Tirana
Kathy Baughman McLeod, director of Climate Resilience for All, emphasized the urgency of the situation: “The summer season as we knew it has changed. Cities like Tirana are on the frontlines of a new climate reality, where extreme heat is no longer confined to a few weeks but dominates much of the year.” She called for immediate action to protect residents from the escalating impacts of prolonged heatwaves.
In Tirana, the traditional Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot summers and mild winters, is being redefined by these extended periods of extreme heat. Residents report that the city’s once-pleasant spring and autumn seasons are shrinking, with summer-like conditions encroaching earlier and lingering later. This shift disrupts not only daily life but also cultural and economic activities, such as outdoor markets and festivals, which are integral to Tirana’s vibrant identity.
Urgent Calls for Adaptation
The report underscores the need for Tirana to adopt robust climate resilience strategies to mitigate the impacts of extreme heat. Experts advocate for increasing urban green spaces, such as parks and tree-lined streets, to reduce the urban heat island effect. Retrofitting buildings with reflective roofs and better insulation could also help lower indoor temperatures and reduce energy demands. Additionally, public health campaigns to educate residents about heat safety, alongside investments in cooling centers and water stations, are critical to protecting vulnerable communities.
Tirana’s local government has begun to take steps toward addressing these challenges, with initiatives to plant more trees and expand green areas. However, the scale of the problem demands accelerated action and coordination with national and international partners. The Climate Resilience for All report emphasizes that cities like Tirana must act swiftly to integrate climate-adaptive urban planning, ensuring that infrastructure development prioritizes sustainability and heat mitigation.
A City at a Crossroads
As Tirana grapples with its position as Europe’s second-hottest capital, the stakes are high. The city’s unique blend of rapid urbanization, historical charm, and cultural dynamism makes it a vital hub in the region, but these prolonged heatwaves threaten its livability. Without urgent measures to address the root causes and impacts of extreme heat, Tirana risks further strain on its residents, infrastructure, and economy.
The Climate Resilience for All report serves as a wake-up call for Tirana and other European cities facing similar challenges. By prioritizing green infrastructure, improving public health preparedness, and fostering community resilience, Tirana can chart a path toward a cooler, safer future. As Kathy Baughman McLeod aptly stated, “Protecting our cities from the new reality of extended heatwaves is not just a necessity—it’s an imperative for the health and survival of millions.”