Alarm in Calw: DWD warns of extreme temperatures from 38 degrees!

Alarm in Calw: DWD warns of extreme temperatures from 38 degrees!

The temperatures are rising, and the warnings from the German Weather Service (DWD) are clear: From today, Tuesday, July 1st, at 11 a.m. until Wednesday, 7 p.m., “extreme heat stress” has been announced in the Calw district. The high pressure influence of “Bettina” ensures temperatures that feel like 38 degrees Celsius. If you think a little sun doesn't do any harm, you should think twice now!

This heat mainly affects regions up to an altitude of 400 meters. According to the DWD, there are no indications of thunderstorms or increased UV exposure in the warning, but you should still act like a fox and take precautionary measures. Experts warn that the heat at lunchtime in particular can cause health problems. And that should not be underestimated, because as the summer heat of 2003 showed, heat waves in Europe can claim up to 50,000 human lives - including many in Germany.

The unpleasant side effects of the heat

The risk groups are clearly defined: older people, chronically ill people and small children are particularly vulnerable to the health consequences of the heat. Recommended behaviors to avoid heat-related illnesses include: avoiding direct sun, drinking plenty of water, and staying in cool indoor spaces.The DWD has put together important basic rules to address these challenges:

• Meiden Sie die Hitze und vermeiden Sie Aktivitäten während der heißesten Tageszeit.
• Halten Sie Ihren Körper kühl mit Flüssigkeitszufuhr, kühlen Duschen und luftiger Kleidung.
• Halten Sie Ihre Wohnung kühl durch Lüften und Sonnenschutz.

Especially in cities, the temperature can remain significantly higher at night, which can affect the quality of sleep, especially for city dwellers. In these extreme conditions, special consideration must be given to people in need of help or care; Simple measures can make a big difference here.

A look into the future

Climate change will bring us an increase in heat waves in the coming decades, and with them social challenges. The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) shows that vulnerable groups in particular will suffer particularly from the effects of heat. We need effective, preventative heat protection, which can only be achieved through close cooperation between ministries and institutions such as the DWD and the Federal Environment Agency. This requires clear communication and good information offerings to protect the population.In exchange with experts, work is being done to better align healthcare to these challenges.

In the current situation, it is essential that everyone - especially the risk groups - is well informed and follows the recommended protective measures. This means that the heat cannot be completely banished, but it can still be managed better. Remember: prevention is better than cure!

For further information and current heat warnings, visit the pages of the DWD or the RKI.