Extreme heat wave is rolling over Germany: almost 40 degrees expected!

Extreme heat wave is rolling over Germany: almost 40 degrees expected!

The summer heat has Germany firmly under control and an extreme heat wave is approaching. Temperatures of almost 40 degrees are expected for the coming days. In this context, meteorologists are once again warning about the health consequences that such heat can have. On Monday, August 11th, many regions experienced sunny weather with temperatures between 21 and 35 degrees, with the highest values ​​being found in the Upper Rhine. The weather situation is not uniform: While mild temperatures of 21 to 26 degrees were recorded on the coasts, temperatures inland had already risen to summer values ​​of 27 to 35 degrees, as fr.de reports.

Tuesday night will bring cool lows between 9 and 19 degrees, but on Tuesday itself temperatures will rise to up to 39 degrees in the southwest. During this time, very high night temperatures between 14 and 21 degrees are expected, which in some regions could be perceived as tropically warm. Wednesday August 13th promises another hot start with sweltering temperatures between 33 and 40 degrees, while it remains more pleasant on the coast.

The health challenges

The rising temperatures not only bring with them a warm pampering, but also serious health risks. According to the EU Climate Service, last June was the hottest since weather records began in Western Europe and climate change played a key role in the intensity of the heatwaves. An international study estimates around 2,300 heat-related deaths in twelve large European cities alone, of which around 1,500 are attributable to climate change. The issue is particularly explosive for older people: around 88 percent of the estimated deaths affected people over the age of 65, as zdf.de reports.

Heat waves are considered “silent killers” that have a serious impact on the health of the population. The impact is particularly noticeable in cities, as older people, children and socially disadvantaged groups often suffer from the conditions associated with high temperatures. These groups are often also exposed to urban heat islands and health problems that need to be avoided.

Looking ahead and necessary measures

The forecasts remain uncertain: While some weather reports speak of a possible calming of temperatures, there are increasing voices pointing to the further intensity of the heat waves as the year progresses. Over the last 40 years, heat waves have caused an estimated 90 percent of deaths from weather- and climate-related extreme events in Europe, reports the EEA. The question arises as to how society and politics will adapt to these challenges.

Experts are pushing for increased adaptation measures that should specifically benefit the most vulnerable groups. These include public warning systems, awareness campaigns and the creation of heat-resistant habitats. Measures such as promoting urban green spaces or introducing adjusted working hours offer initial approaches to reducing the dangers of heat waves, which are likely to continue to be present in the coming weeks and months.