Heat wave over Germany: up to 37 °C and risk of thunderstorms!

Heat wave over Germany: up to 37 °C and risk of thunderstorms!

The coming days in Cologne will be dominated by heat, as a new heat record is expected on Thursday. As meteozentrale.de reports, very warm to hot and moist air masses are flowing into Germany from the southwest. Temperatures in Cologne will be between 33 and 35 °C, while numerous other cities will reach even hotter maximum values. Peak values ​​between 35 and 37 °C can even be measured in Frankfurt am Main.

This heat wave is not only unpleasant, but also poses a real health risk. The human body is particularly stressed when the outside temperature and humidity are high. According to zdfheute.de, sunstroke and heatstroke can occur quickly, which can have serious health consequences. Because the body doesn't adapt overnight, it takes between seven and ten days. Individual factors, such as obesity, can significantly reduce heat tolerance.

Dangers at extreme temperatures

Older people aged 75 and over are particularly at risk because they have less adaptability and a reduced feeling of thirst. Athletes and children are also at risk as physical activity can cause them to overheat. A survey in the greater Koblenz area shows that only a third of kindergartens and schools know the warning signs of heat damage, while over 80% of senior citizens' facilities know the warning signs but cannot provide sufficient cooling.

An exciting aspect is the fact that heat strokes often go unnoticed. If your core body temperature is elevated, you should act quickly: it must be reduced to below 40 degrees Celsius within 30 minutes. Therefore, there are clearly defined risk groups who should be particularly careful.

Tips for cooling down and prevention

To counteract the heat, the experts recommend a few simple measures: Drink plenty of water, seek plenty of shade and shift physical exertion to the cooler morning or evening hours. It is also advisable to keep the windows closed during the day and ventilate early in your own four walls. At temperatures that lead to a so-called tropical night, it is important to make a conscious effort to cool down in order to prevent overheating.

However, dealing with the heat also requires special attention. If you experience symptoms of sunstroke or heat stroke, such as nausea, headaches or dizziness, you should act immediately. For further information on the correct procedure for sunstroke, we recommend taking a look at myhealth-mentor.de.

So in these hot days it is important to protect yourself and others. Pay attention to your body signals and enjoy the sun in moderation!