Hot warning for NRW: up to 33 degrees and thunderstorms on the way!

Hot warning for NRW: up to 33 degrees and thunderstorms on the way!

Currently, the residents of North Rhine-Westphalia are required because the German Weather Service (DWD) has issued an official warning of heat. This applies from Friday, 11 a.m., and affects almost all cities and counties in the state, with the exception of the Höxter district. For today, June 14, 2025, temperatures of up to 33 degrees Celsius are expected. Old and people in need of care are particularly affected, who can be extremely stressed in this heat. The warning of “strong heat load” remains until Friday, 7 p.m., whereby short thunderstorms can occur occasionally on Friday evening and night at the border with Belgium and the Netherlands.

For the weekend, challenges are also emerging: On Saturday from 11 a.m., the heat warning extends to almost all municipalities. Forecasts indicate that there will be strong thunderstorms, heavy rain, hail and gusts of wind, especially in the east of NRW, where the thunderstorms can only be expected in the evening. The DWD describes this weather conditions as the "first short heat wave of the year".

health risks through heat

But what does this heat mean for health? According to the website of the Federal Environment Agency, high temperatures are continuously high. Between 2000 and 2024 there were always extreme heat waves in Germany, such as in 2018 and 2019, which even led to around 15,600 additional deaths due to heat loads. Forecasts show that the number of heat -related deaths could continue to increase by the middle of the century, which is partly due to climate change.

We recommend that all citizens: to be particularly mindful inside. The website Hitzwarung.nrw.de offers general health information and helpful tips for avoiding health risks in the heat.

tips for cooling

• keep up in cool rooms where possible.
• drink enough fluid to avoid dehydration.
• avoid physical exertion during the hottest times of the day.
• dress slightly and pay attention to sun protection.

With these tips and the necessary caution, everyone can get through the heat period. Be careful and protect yourself and your fellow human beings in this challenging weather!