In mid-June, the German Weather Service (DWD) described the record-breaking heat in Germany and Europe as "a heat wave for the history books."
The 40-degree-Celsius mark (104 degrees Fahrenheit) was surpassed at a total of 46 weather stations in eleven German states — the highest temperatures ever in the month of June.
Eleven hot days and nights heated up many people's homes so much that cooling off and getting a good night's sleep were out of the question.
Sustained lack of rest can have serious health consequences and can even be fatal.
Extreme heat waves appear to be getting more common across Europe and elsewhere.
