Swiss cinemas and regional authorities are offering free daytime film screenings for seniors aged 65 and above as a refuge from an intense heatwave currently affecting the country [1, 2]. Since June 18, about 650 seniors have attended these free screenings in Geneva alone, enjoying air-conditioned theatres as temperatures reach a peak of 36 to 37 degrees Celsius [1, 2, 3]. Cinema manager Laurent Dutoit said, "The hotter it gets, the more the cinema becomes a place of refuge" [1].
The heatwave is unusually early, occurring well before the typical Swiss heat peaks in mid-July to mid-August [1, 2]. MeteoSwiss has issued level 4 heat alerts, the second-highest warning, for several Swiss regions. These alerts are expected to remain in place until at least June 29 [3]. Daytime temperatures range between 34°C and 37°C, while nighttime lows stay high at 18°C to 23°C, worsening the heat’s effects [3].
Seniors appreciate the relief from extreme heat. Daniel Gillieron, 82, said, "It’s fantastic because it allows us not only to get out of the house and go to the cinema, but also to have an air-conditioned theatre, and to have a good time" [1].
The Swiss Teachers' Federation has also called for stronger heat protection measures in schools. They seek legally binding standards, including suspending classes when indoor temperatures rise above 30°C [3].
The free screenings and heat warnings remain active as Switzerland copes with the persistent and early heatwave. The level 4 heat alerts will stay in effect until at least June 29 as authorities monitor the situation [3].
