Suche
Mein Konto
Heat wave over Germany: This is how Saxony, Thuringia and Co. are coping with the scorching heat!
The Altmarkkreis Salzwedel reports extreme heat warnings with temperatures over 36 degrees. Health care recommendations are urgent.
Heat wave over Germany: This is how Saxony, Thuringia and Co. are coping with the scorching heat!
A sweaty heat wave is currently making headlines in large parts of Germany. According to current reports from the German Weather Service (DWD), temperatures in Saxony-Anhalt climbed above 36 degrees Celsius on Wednesday. In other regions such as Saxony and Thuringia, the measured values were only slightly lower, at over 35 degrees Celsius. The highs are expected to rise further on Thursday, before the hoped-for cooling is in sight for the weekend. The forecasts show that by Friday the temperatures in these federal states will be stable at around 36 degrees Celsius, which represents a strenuous challenge for many. The highest temperature of 36.1 degrees was recorded in Arnstein-Welbsleben, Saxony-Anhalt, on Wednesday, followed by 35.4 degrees in Artern, Thuringia, at lunchtime. In Saxony, Leipzig-MDR was recorded at 34.7 degrees.
The DWD's heat warnings are valid until Friday and remind the population to avoid direct sunlight and not to be out in the blazing sun in the afternoon. Eating light and avoiding alcohol are also recommended, as it remains humid at night, making it difficult to cool down. In addition, the regulation for heat-free in schools in Saxony-Anhalt stipulates that school management can grant heat-free after the fifth school hour if the room temperature is 26 degrees Celsius. In Saxony and Thuringia, however, the regulations are not uniform, which raises questions for many parents and students.
The health risks of the heat
The heat not only poses a challenge for everyday life, it also poses health risks. In this context, the website wärmewarenen.de reports that heat stress can pose serious risks to human health. This particularly affects sensitive groups such as older people, pregnant women, children and people with chronic previous illnesses. The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) warns that heat is expected to increase in Germany in the coming decades due to climate change. Effective and preventative heat protection is therefore of great importance.
In addition to these warnings, the RKI has carried out evaluations of heat-related excess mortality in recent years, which illustrates the importance of heat protection measures. In exchange with various authorities and ministries, including the Federal Ministry of Health and the Federal Center for Health Education, strategies to raise awareness and protect the population are being developed.
The current temperatures at a glance
| Federal State | Location | Temperature in °C |
|---|---|---|
| Saxony | Leipzig MDR | 34.7 |
| Saxony-Anhalt | Arnstein-Welbsleben | 36.1 |
| Thuringia | Artern | 35.4 |
Overall, we have exciting but also challenging days ahead, which is why it is even more important to be aware of the health effects of the heat. At the end of the week we can look forward to a slowdown that will bring us some well-deserved relief. Until then, however, it is important to keep a cool head and follow the recommendations of the health authorities.
The acute heat warnings and the practical measures taken by the various institutions make it clear that there is currently a need for action. In addition, this heat wave also raises questions about the necessary adaptations of our society to changing climatic conditions. With this in mind, we can only hope that this heat is manageable for everyone.