In 2024, eight cantons had a heat action plan, six cantons were developing a heat action plan, and ten cantons had taken only individual measures to protect the population from heat. Measures also lack nationwide consistency and coordination. Cantonal heat action plans are important for cities, and close coordination is necessary. Like the majority of cantons, cities would also welcome a national heat action plan developed in close cooperation with the cantons and cities. Such a plan could identify the numerous interfaces between the three levels of government in the area of heat and define responsibilities. The current summer has shown that the population, particularly those who are especially vulnerable, is insufficiently protected from heat. It has also shown that the approach taken so far, whereby the Confederation publishes guidance that the cantons can implement voluntarily, is insufficient. In future, heat-related deaths must be reduced throughout Switzerland, particularly among especially vulnerable people, above all in view of the documented mortality rate due to climate-related heatwaves. Studies also show that, in the past, excess mortality was higher in cities without a heat action plan than in cities with a heat action plan.