'It's frightening': Irish woman in Madrid warns of heatstroke risk as temperatures soar in Europe

Irish Examiner

2 days ago

An Irish woman living in Madrid has said the heat this summer has been "unlike anything I've ever experienced", describing how her son ended up in hospital with heatstroke.
As wildfires continue to burn across mainland Europe, with temperatures reaching up to 44C in some areas, Laura O'Reilly has told the Irish Examiner of her experience in the Spanish capital. The Dublin woman said some of the fires have come "surprisingly close" to populated areas - including parts of Madrid's outskirts.
"In June, there was a fire near Toledo about an hour's drive away. I was walking in the centre of Madrid, near El Prado, and there was a huge plume of smoke plus ashes falling from the sky. Locally, people are very aware and cautious.
"Firefighters are working around the clock, and there's a real sense of urgency and solidarity. It's frightening but also impressive to see how communities come together in these emergencies," she said.
Recently, Ms O'Reilly's son had to be brought to the emergency department after suffering from a heatstroke. "Heatstroke is extremely dangerous. My son suffered one while playing basketball," she said.
"Unfortunately, he drank a lot of water to cool down, not a good idea. He started to vomit so much that he tore some soft tissue and then started to bleed. A tube was put down his throat as his stomach was filling up with blood," she recalled.
Coming from Ireland, she said the whole experience has been eye-opening.
"Back home, climate change often feels like a distant issue, something we talk about for the future. But here in Madrid, with record-breaking temperatures and visible wildfires, it feels immediate and personal.
It's made me realise how climate change is affecting different parts of the world in very different ways, and how urgent the need for action really is.
While the situation is worrying, Ms O'Reilly said it was been inspiring to see how resilient people can be.
"From firefighters to neighbours checking in on each other, it shows that even in difficult times, community and care can make a real difference. I hope this summer will be a wake-up call for all of us about the realities of climate change."
To help with the heat, she shared a few tips.
"I soak my T-shirt and hair before going outside. I also half freeze a bottle of water to place on the back of my neck to help me cool down, and to drink. Plus, I bring a spray bottle of water and I walk in the shade whenever possible," she said.
"Even walking short distances can feel exhausting, and there's a real concern for people vulnerable to heatstroke. Sleeping is very difficult. The intense heat also makes the air feel heavy and dry, which only adds to the risk of wildfires."