Heat wave out of control: RTL warns of extreme heat and risks!

Heat wave out of control: RTL warns of extreme heat and risks!

Summer has revealed its hot side in Germany, and that also has an impact on the television program: RTL has redesigned its programs because of the ongoing heat wave. On Monday, June 30th, a special edition of “RTL Aktuell” will be broadcast at 8:15 p.m. that will deal with the extreme heat in Germany. Under the motto “Glutofen Germany – How to deal with the extreme heat?” The station wants to give viewers practical tips on how to deal with the high temperatures. Temperatures are rising to bitter highs of over 35 degrees due to hot air masses from the Sahara, and in some regions up to 40 degrees could even be measured, according to [Ruhr24.de](https://www.ruhr24.de/promi-tv/tv-news/deutschland-temperaturen-dwd- Fernsehenen-tv-rtl-spezial-programmaenderung-montag-wärme-wärmewelle-93810132.html).

The western and southern parts of Germany as well as some central German regions are particularly affected by heat stress. The rising temperatures also increase the risk of forest fires and therefore pose a significant health challenge. Older people, children and people with chronic illnesses are particularly at risk when the temperature exceeds 35 degrees. According to meteorologists, the heat wave could reach its peak on Wednesday, with peak values ​​of 34 to 38 degrees and regionally even over 40 degrees on the Rhine, as RTL.de reports.

Performance pressure on the health system

Heat is a serious health risk. In the summer of 2022, more than 9,100 people died in Germany alone as a result of extreme heat, dwarfing the annual traffic fatalities and drug victims and posing enormous challenges to the health system. Children, the elderly and those with cardiovascular, kidney or lung disease are particularly vulnerable. In addition, many people cannot recognize the signs of a heat wave in time due to previous illnesses or social circumstances, which further endangers their safety, as ZDF.de describes in detail.

With the upcoming heat phases, it is more important than ever to take preventive measures. Experts recommend drinking at least 1.5 to 3 liters per day, scheduling physical exertion in cooler times of day and cooling down with lukewarm showers or damp towels. Lightweight, breathable clothing and shade are also a must to make the heat more bearable. Relatives should also keep an eye on older people or people who live alone and support them so that they can get through the heat safely.

Storms as a way to cool down?

However, the heat wave does not only bring with it uncomfortable temperatures. On Wednesday the tendency for thunderstorms will increase in the west and south. Heavy downpours of up to 50 liters per square meter and hail are possible. Some regions can expect hurricane-force gusts of between 80 and 140 km/h, which may temporarily dispel the prevailing heat. But the joy of any cooling down could only be short-lived; Meteorologists warn that thunderstorms often pose additional health risks. For Thursday, the heat is expected to shift to the southeast, where temperatures of up to 35 degrees are still expected, while in the northwest the temperatures will fall to a bearable 20 to 27 degrees, emphasizes RTL.de.

The coming weeks promise hot but also changeable weather. It will be exciting to see how the weather situation develops and how the population deals with the extreme temperatures. In any case, everyone should pay particular attention to their health and be well prepared.