Erfurt under heat stress: yellow card in the heat check 2025!

Erfurt under heat stress: yellow card in the heat check 2025!

Summer temperatures bring not only sunshine, but also a serious challenge: extreme heat. In this context, German Environmental Aid (DUH) has published its annual analysis, the “Heat Check 2025”, and the results paint a worrying picture. The impact of heat waves is particularly noticeable in Erfurt, which has the highest value in Thuringia with a heat impact index of 15.89. Again thuringia24 reports, the average surface temperature of the city between 2021 and 2024 will be a remarkable 35 degrees Celsius.

A look at neighboring cities such as Gera (index 14.41), Weimar (14.39) and Jena (14.38) shows that they also have to contend with average temperatures of 34 degrees Celsius. The problem should not be underestimated, because over 12 million people in German cities are exposed to extreme heat stress, as the DUH analysis shows. In Erfurt, the sealing of the areas is highest at almost 45%, which further exacerbates the situation. Jena and Weimar follow with 37% each. In order to counteract the increased temperatures, the DUH is calling for minimum legal requirements for more green spaces.

Urban development measures against the heat

The Thuringian state government and the municipalities have now put the dangers of the heat on the agenda. A climate pact, which was created in cooperation with the municipalities, was extended, with 27 million euros being made available for climate protection investments. Such measures are necessary because around 3,000 people die in Germany every year as a result of extreme heat.

A “heat telephone” has already been set up in Erfurt to offer people support when it is very hot. In addition, the city plans to install more drinking fountains and inform the population about the city's fountains. These initiatives are intended to ensure that citizens are optimally protected during heat waves.

Commitment in Jena and Gera

Jena also takes the challenges seriously and is planning a support network for older people living alone during extreme heat periods. Gera, on the other hand, has launched a municipal heat action plan, while a nationwide heat action plan should be in place by the end of the year. These concerted actions are critical to reducing heat stress and improving residents' quality of life.

However, the current analysis does not only show the negative aspects. In contrast, cities like Hattingen and Gummersbach are in a better situation and have lower heat stress - an encouraging perspective that shows that there are also positive examples of dealing with urban heat problems. Loud spectrum Structural changes in cities, such as more greenery and water areas, can also make a decisive contribution to reducing heat stress.

In summary, the Heat Check is a powerful wake-up call that underlines the need to make cities climate-resilient. Both in Erfurt and in Jena and Gera, those responsible are now obliged to take sustainable measures to ensure the quality of life of their citizens.