Heat wave over Berlin: 37 degrees and a threat of thunderstorms!

Heat wave over Berlin: 37 degrees and a threat of thunderstorms!

The summer of 2025 presents itself with a very special challenge in Berlin and Brandenburg: an approaching heat wave. According to weather experts, the situation will lead to sweating as early as midweek when temperatures rise well above 30 degrees - a real summer heat test for citizens. The Azores high Julia will ensure friendly weather with temperatures between 23 and 27 degrees until Monday, but things will get serious from Tuesday. Highs of up to 37 degrees are forecast for Thursday, so people should be prepared for whatever that entails.

Particular attention is drawn to the increased heat and ozone pollution. The German Weather Service (DWD) warns of health problems such as irritation, fatigue and headaches that can be caused by increasing ozone pollution. It is advisable to do sporting activities in the first half of the day and to drink enough fluids - sun protection is also an absolute must. From Friday there will be increasing humidity, increasing the risk of thunderstorms. Whether these thunderstorms can dispel the oppressive heat caused by the heatwave remains to be seen.

Climate and health

As the situation in Germany shows, heat waves are not just an annoying phase in the summer, but also pose a serious threat to health. A study by the Research Center Jülich shows that extreme heat periods increase the level of ground-level ozone. The researchers analyzed climate scenarios and found that a warming level of just +2°C leads to a significant increase in ozone pollution. In addition, plants react to drought stress and ozone pollution by closing their stomata, which leads to a vicious circle: they can absorb less ozone and do not contribute to cooling the environment. However, at temperatures of +2.75°C, the study shows the interesting twist that ozone pollution is decreasing in some regions, particularly the northern hemisphere.

Heat waves are already the greatest direct health threat to the European population. This is also shown by a report from the European Environment Agency, which highlights that heat waves have been responsible for 90% of deaths from weather and climate-related extreme events in Europe over the past four decades. Older people, children and households with low incomes are particularly at risk because they often live in urban heat islands and usually cannot afford appropriate protective measures.

Adaptation to climate changes

The research center's study offers valuable insights into the complex interactions between climate, weather and health. The results are crucial for the development of regional adaptation strategies for health and environmental protection. Without timely measures to combat rising temperatures and their consequences, the situation for many people will worsen dramatically. The EU has already launched initiatives to make all member states climate resilient by 2050. However, it remains to be hoped that the necessary steps to adapt will also be initiated locally in many regions of Germany.

Greater awareness of the dangers of heat waves and the necessary precautionary measures will become increasingly important in the coming weeks and months. If you prepare and inform yourself in good time, you can survive the summer heat better.