Blazing heat in North Rhine-Westphalia: Warning of an extreme heat wave from Sunday!

Blazing heat in North Rhine-Westphalia: Warning of an extreme heat wave from Sunday!

As of this weekend, the time has come: The temperatures in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) are rising significantly and promise a heat wave lasting several days, which will primarily affect the Rhineland and the Ruhr area. The German Weather Service (DWD) has issued an official heat warning for this period, which will come into force from Sunday, June 29, 2025. The temperatures are currently still moderate, with highs of around 24 degrees on Friday and almost 30 degrees on Saturday. But from Sunday up to 32 degrees are expected, followed by a sweltering Monday in some places, on which temperatures could rise to up to 34 degrees calf reported.

The heat wave peaks on Tuesday, where temperatures can even reach 37 degrees in some regions, including Cologne. The peak of this wave will be reached on Wednesday, with a dizzying 39 degrees. These extreme temperatures not only represent a challenge for the happy summer gatherings in the beer garden, but also a serious health risk, especially for older people and people with previous illnesses. Loud ruhr24.de Symptoms such as headaches, exhaustion and circulatory problems are common companions in such hot moments.

The challenges of the heat wave

Given the upcoming heat, it is particularly important to be well prepared. The nighttime temperatures only drop to around 18 to 16 degrees, which leaves little room for relaxation. The DWD therefore recommends drinking enough fluids and avoiding physical exertion. Cool rooms should be sought to minimize exposure to the heat. Relatives should also keep an eye on people at risk, such as older neighbors or relatives.

Climate change means that we will have to expect such temperatures more often in the future. The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) has carried out numerous evaluations of heat-related excess mortality, which show that vulnerable groups, such as pregnant women, children and people with chronic illnesses, should be given special precautions. “Effective heat protection requires cooperation between different authorities and ministries,” explains the RKI on its website. This makes it clear that good information and monitoring are essential to protect citizens in the best possible way.

Long summers with heat and adjustment

Overall, the trend is increasing that summers in Germany will become significantly hotter in the future. This not only affects the temperature announcements, but also requires us to rethink how we protect ourselves from heat. The DWD, the Federal Ministry of Health and other institutions are working together to develop information offerings that address the increased health risks.

As we prepare for the hot days ahead, only one thing remains to be said: stay hydrated and enjoy the shady spots!