Heat shock for Germany: 40 degrees approaching – How to stay cool!

Heat shock for Germany: 40 degrees approaching – How to stay cool!

The air is already shimmering and the temperatures are rising inexorably: Europe is facing an extreme heat wave that will unfold with full force in the coming days. Forecasts predict temperatures of up to 41 degrees in parts of France next week, while Germany will not be spared either. Values ​​of over 35 degrees are expected here from June 22nd, as az-online.de reports. The nights are also unlikely to drop below 22 degrees, which is an additional burden for many people.

This heat wave is no coincidence: a high-pressure bridge over Europe blocks cooling weather events and leads to a veritable heat dome. In cities, the heat accumulates on concrete surfaces that can reach over 50 degrees. This not only increases the risk of forest fires, but also ozone levels in the air. Vulnerable groups such as seniors, children and people with previous illnesses are particularly affected and should now be given particular attention.

A summer of extremes

Experts are already warning of a “possible start to a summer of the century”. The current weather situation could be considered a turning point in weather history, as June 2025 could be the hottest month ever. As statista.com has shown, the temperature in Europe has increased more than twice as fast as the global average over the last 30 years. The heat waves and droughts of recent years have already had dramatic effects: in 2022, Europe experienced the second highest temperature anomalies since weather records began. That same year, heatwaves claimed an estimated 20,000 lives and caused thousands of acres of forest to burn.

The economic impact should also not be underestimated. Heat and drought have noticeable consequences for agriculture, energy supply and transport. Experts warn that Europe's population faces the greatest climate-related threat - over 80% of weather-related deaths between 1980 and 2020 were due to heatwaves. The summer of 2022 was the hottest in European history, with record temperatures, and forecasts show future heatwaves could become even more intense.

Forest protection and reforestation

Amid all these challenges, there are also approaches to mitigating climate impacts that give hope. The Generation Forest Cooperative is committed to the reforestation of degraded agricultural land in Panama. A mixed forest is being created here based on the principle of generational forests, which not only compensates for CO₂, but also regenerates soil, stores drinking water and creates habitat for a variety of animal species. As thegenerationforest.com explains, over time the wood stock is thinned out and sold at a profit - a green return for the members.

The principle of generational forests shows that measures for reforestation and climate resilience are still important now, especially in times of extreme heat. But the road ahead will be rocky, as short-term weather forecasts point to a summer that will test our adaptability and commitment. In Cologne we have to be careful and think carefully about the coming weeks - after all, it's not just a question of the weather, but also our future.