Heat wave in North Rhine-Westphalia: temperatures rise to a record-breaking 40 degrees!

Heat wave in North Rhine-Westphalia: temperatures rise to a record-breaking 40 degrees!

The first week of July in North Rhine-Westphalia is tough: heat of up to 40 degrees is expected, right at the beginning of the month. The German Weather Service (DWD) has warned of extreme heat and is forecasting temperatures of up to 37 degrees this Tuesday. These values ​​apply especially to the cities of Aachen and Heinsberg. Wednesday July 2nd could even be the hottest day of the week, with highs between 35 and 39 degrees, but is also aiming for the 40 degree mark, particularly in the Bay of Cologne, the Lower Rhine and the Ruhr area. According to Niklas Weise, a meteorologist at the DWD, the temperatures for this period are record-breaking, but no absolute temperature record is expected, which currently stands at 41.2 degrees, measured on July 25, 2019 in Tönisvorst and Duisburg-Baerl ( calf ).

What goes into such a hot summer? That's right, the appropriate precautions! The meteorologists warn in particular of the severe heat pollution, which will be particularly noticeable in the Rhineland, especially in cities such as Cologne and Düsseldorf. The maximum temperatures can be expected between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m., when it is better to avoid being outside for long periods of time. Sports activities should ideally be postponed to the cooler morning hours. Jogging or cycling is recommended between midnight and noon ( wdr.de ).

Tips for cooling down

How do you deal with such extreme heat? The DWD gives numerous recommendations to cool down. Drinking recommendation: around 2.5 to 3 liters per day. Mineral water and diluted juices are ideal, while sugary sodas and ice-cold drinks as well as alcohol should be avoided at all costs. Older people, chronically ill people and pregnant women in particular should pay attention to their fluid intake, as the risk of heat damage increases fivefold from 25 degrees ( tagesschau.de ).

But it's not just drinking that's crucial: light, easily digestible food such as fruit, vegetables and low-fat dairy products are now in demand. Salt should also not be missing to compensate for sodium losses through sweating. If you want to keep it really cool, you can use damp cloths on your neck or take a cooling bath. Rooms should be ventilated in the morning and evening, while during the day it is better to keep the windows closed ( tagesschau.de ).

This heat wave is no fun. Heat thunderstorms are also possible from Wednesday evening, and a welcome cooling of around 10 degrees is expected from Thursday, when temperatures drop to 25 to 27 degrees. A showery rain then provides a little refreshment. Being prepared is key these days. Stay safe and well hydrated!