Danger of heat in Erfurt: How to protect yourself from the consequences!

Danger of heat in Erfurt: How to protect yourself from the consequences!

What does the heat do for us? Today, June 26, 2025, Dr. Anett Thau from the health department in the heat podcast various aspects of high temperatures and their health consequences. The podcast has the clear goal of sensitizing the Cologne population to the topics of climate and health and giving tips for everyday life. Self-help information is intended to help improve the quality of life even at temperatures above 30 degrees. Further details and the option to listen to the episodes can be found directly on the website of the city of Erfurt.

For the coming hot months, the city has set up a hotline that can be reached on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on 0361 655-448 93. Here, citizens can obtain information and tips on how to avoid health problems in extreme heat. In addition to these local measures, there are also comprehensive national heat protection plans that respond to climate change, which is causing an increase in the frequency and intensity of heatwaves.

Heat warnings at a glance

The challenge that high temperatures pose to the human body is also addressed in the Austrian heat protection concept. Loud health.gv.at Heat warnings are differentiated into four levels in order to provide the population with clear information:

• Stufe 1: Keine aktive Warnung (grün) – keine nennenswerte Hitzebelastung.
• Stufe 2: Vorsicht! (gelb) – leichte Hitzebelastung, erhöhte Aufmerksamkeit erforderlich.
• Stufe 3: Achtung! (orange) – erhöhte Hitzebelastung, Schutzmaßnahmen empfohlen.
• Stufe 4: Gefahr! (rot) – starke Hitzebelastung, besondere Vorsicht geboten.

The perceived temperature is also taken into account, which can vary depending on humidity, wind conditions and clothing. The risk of health problems, such as cardiovascular diseases, should not be underestimated. Older people, pregnant women or people with existing medical conditions are particularly at risk.

Climate change as a health risk

Climate change is described by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the greatest health threat to humanity. According to RKI There are clear parallels between extreme weather events such as heatwaves and population health. The increase in heat waves is not only reflected in the weather, but also influences social factors such as access to healthcare.

Institutions such as the Robert Koch Institute are currently working on projects to better record the health effects of extreme heat and to develop suitable protective measures. These initiatives are important to address the specific needs of vulnerable groups. So together we can develop important solidarity to face such challenges and promote well-being in our city.

In summary, there are many ways to protect yourself and others during heatwaves. Find out about local contact points and use the resources available to you.