Hot warning for NRW: Up to 33 degrees and thunderstorms approaching!

Hot warning for NRW: Up to 33 degrees and thunderstorms approaching!

The residents of North Rhine-Westphalia are currently facing challenges because the German Weather Service (DWD) has issued an official warning about heat. This applies from Friday, 11 a.m., and affects almost all cities and districts in the state, with the exception of the Höxter district. Temperatures of up to 33 degrees Celsius are expected for today, June 14, 2025. Older people and people in need of care are particularly affected, as they can be extremely stressed in this heat. The warning for “severe heat stress” remains in effect until 7 p.m. on Friday, with isolated short thunderstorms possible on Friday evening and overnight on the border with Belgium and the Netherlands, although these are only expected with a low probability.

Challenges are also looming for the weekend: on Saturday from 11 a.m. the heat warning will be extended to almost all municipalities. Forecasts indicate that there will be strong thunderstorms, heavy rain, hail and squalls, especially in the east of North Rhine-Westphalia, where the thunderstorms are not expected until the evening. The DWD describes this weather situation as the “first short heat wave of the year”.

Health risks from heat

But what does this heat mean for your health? According to the website of the Federal Environment Agency, persistently high temperatures pose a serious health risk. Heat waves can have serious consequences, especially for older people and people with previous illnesses. Between 2000 and 2024, there were repeated extreme heat waves in Germany, such as in 2018 and 2019, which even led to around 15,600 additional deaths from heat stress. Projections show that the number of heat-related deaths could continue to rise by mid-century, partly due to climate change.

We recommend that all citizens be particularly careful. The website heatwarning.nrw.de provides general health information and helpful tips for avoiding health risks in the heat.

Tips for cooling down

• Halten Sie sich in kühlen Räumen auf, wo möglich.
• Trinken Sie ausreichend Flüssigkeit, um Dehydration zu vermeiden.
• Vermeiden Sie körperliche Anstrengungen während der heißesten Tageszeiten.
• Sich leicht kleiden und auf Sonnenschutz achten.

With these tips and the necessary caution, everyone can get through the heat period well. Be careful and protect yourself and those around you in this challenging weather situation!