Heat wave is rolling over North Rhine-Westphalia: up to 40 degrees at the start of the week!

Heat wave is rolling over North Rhine-Westphalia: up to 40 degrees at the start of the week!

In North Rhine-Westphalia, July 2025 will begin with really hot days. The temperatures could reach up to 40 degrees, as the German Weather Service (DWD) reported. Today, June 30th, the highs are already a pleasant 33 degrees, but that's just the beginning. Up to 37 degrees are expected for tomorrow, July 1st - an official warning of extreme heat has already been published.

On Wednesday, July 2nd, it could get really hot with temperatures between 35 and 39 degrees, with some regions, especially the Bay of Cologne, the Lower Rhine and the Ruhr area, expecting the highest values. Meteorologists point out that these temperatures are record-breaking, although the absolute highest value of 41.2 degrees, measured on July 25, 2019 in Tönisvorst and Duisburg-Baerl, has not yet been reached.

Heat wave and its consequences

This heat wave doesn't just affect North Rhine-Westphalia. Other federal states such as Hesse, Baden-Württemberg and Rhineland-Palatinate are also expecting extremely high temperatures of up to 40 degrees. There are already heat warnings in many regions, including Lisbon and some cities in Italy. The heat that flows from Spain to Germany is classified by authorities as a health risk.

The health risks should not be underestimated. According to that Robert Koch Institute Older people, pregnant women, children and people with chronic previous illnesses are particularly at risk. Experts recommend drinking plenty of water, avoiding the sun and keeping indoor spaces cool on hot days.

Preparations and recommendations

Given the persistent heat, it is advisable to prepare well in advance for the coming days. The meteorologists recommend rescheduling sporting activities to the cooler morning or evening hours. You should avoid the sun's rays if possible, especially in the hottest hours between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.

A slight recovery is expected in the next few days, but only towards the end of the week. On Thursday, July 3, temperatures may fall by up to 10 degrees, with a high of 25 to 27 degrees. Before that, heat thunderstorms are possible from Wednesday evening, while showery rain can occur, especially on Thursday.

This heat wave, which lasts over half a week, is rare in Germany and requires sensible heat management that brings together various ministries and institutions. The German Weather Service and health authorities are working intensively to inform the population and make them aware of the health risks.

It seems we are in for a hot time. Stay hydrated and be careful when temperatures exceed 30 degrees!