Killer heat is coming: Germany is preparing for 39°C!

Killer heat is coming: Germany is preparing for 39°C!

A heat dome over Europe is causing alarming temperatures in Germany this week. How The Local reported, maximum temperatures of over 30°C are forecast across the country, which could even rise to a frightening 39°C in some regions. It's getting really hot, especially in the southwest, in parts of Baden-Württemberg, Saarland and western Hesse - it could even reach up to 37°C here on Tuesday. In Berlin and Dresden even 40°C is possible, while Hamburg comes alive with 36°C and the Ruhr area with close to 39°C.

The meteorologists at the German Weather Service (DWD) expect the peak of the heat wave to be reached on Wednesday. These extreme temperatures are not only uncomfortable, they also pose serious health risks. The DWD warns of “severe heat stress” at temperatures above 32°C and “extreme heat stress” above 38°C. Older people, small children and people with previous illnesses are particularly at risk, which dramatically worsens the situation. In the summer of 2022, people died loudly ZDF Around 9,100 people died from heat-related consequences - an alarming signal for society.

Preventive measures and tips

So what can you do about the heat? Experts recommend staying indoors as cool as possible during the hottest hours of the day and avoiding any physical exertion. Temperatures at night are not expected to fall below 20°C, which is also considered a “tropical night,” according to Federal Environment Agency. It is therefore advisable to drink regularly, preferably 2-3 liters of water per day, and to protect yourself from the sun with light, breathable clothing.

• Trinken Sie regelmäßig (2-3 Liter pro Tag).
• Meiden Sie körperliche Anstrengung in der heißesten Tageszeit.
• Kühlen Sie sich durch lauwarmes Duschen oder kühle Fußbäder ab.
• Tragen Sie leichte, atmungsaktive Kleidung und meiden Sie direkte Sonneneinstrahlung.
• Überprüfen Sie bei Vorerkrankungen Ihre Medikation.
• Achten Sie besonders auf ältere Menschen oder Personen mit chronischen Krankheiten.

The southern regions of Germany, especially the Upper Rhine Plain, should definitely be on guard as they have been particularly affected in recent hot summers. Heatwaves place additional strain on the healthcare system, leading to an increased burden of disease and more hospitalizations. It is therefore important that relatives take care of the well-being of older people who live alone or who are chronically ill.

The DWD in particular predicts that the number of hot days and tropical nights will increase due to climate change. We can only hope that we can get through this extreme heat period with a cool head and take the necessary preventive measures. While the impending rains on Thursday will bring joy, no significant drops in temperature are expected.