The frequency, intensity and duration of heatwaves are growing across the globe, which calls for measures to increase public awareness and protective behaviour. We investigated whether naming heatwaves could promote heat-related risk perception and actions. In a preregistered experiment, older adults from Germany (N = 272) read the announcement of either a nameless or named heatwave. Contrary to our expectations, the named heatwave resulted in lower risk perception and decreased intention to cool down one’s home in preparation. In conclusion, the findings indicated no immediate benefits of naming heatwaves.