FAQs

A heat wave refers to a weather condition where unusually high temperatures persist over several days, which stresses the cardiovascular system and poses a risk to human health. There is no internationally standardized definition of the term heat wave. According to the German Weather Service, a heat wave is defined by daily high temperatures exceeding 28°C for three consecutive days in a specific area or region.

Prolonged heat waves negatively impact well-being and health. Continuous heat at night prevents the body from recovering sufficiently. Skin rashes, leg cramps and swelling can occur. The cardiovascular system is particularly stressed. The body loses fluids and salts through sweating. Dehydration has an impact on blood pressure and can cause dizziness and unconsciousness, and even life-threatening events like heatstroke.

Certain groups are particularly at risk, including elderly people and those with chronic (cardiovascular) diseases, homeless individuals, babies and young children, pregnant women, and people who work or frequently do sports outdoors.

The German Weather Service issues heat alerts through its warning system for days of extreme heat. In case of occurring heatwaves, these warnings are announced by 10:00 a.m. for the current and next day.
https://www.hitzewarnungen.de/index.jsp

The German Weather Service classifies heat warnings into two levels. The first level is called ‘strong heat stress’. A warning is issued when the perceived temperature threshold rises to about 32°C in the early afternoon. The threshold may vary depending on whether it is early or late summer. The second warning level, called ‘extreme heat stress’, occurs when the perceived temperature exceeds 38°C in the early afternoon.

For more information on heat warnings and the perceived temperature, visit the German Weather Service’s YouTube channel.

Heat Warning
Perceived Temperature

Yes, because the incoming heat is often associated with air masses from the subtropics, leading to reduced cloud cover.

For daily updates on UV exposure, please visit
https://www.uv-index.de

More information on UV protection can be found at
https://www.dwd.de/uvschutz

Yes, there is. This is provided by the German Weather Service and is called “DWD WarnWetter.” The app is, of course, free of charge.

Below you will find the direct link to the download.

Android:

Download

Apple:

Download

Drink at least 2 to 4 liters on hot days. The amount varies depending on weight and body size. Water, fruit spritzers, and lightly cooled teas are recommended. Avoid alcohol and sugary sodas.

Try to consume light foods such as salads, fruits, soups, or dairy products. Ensure that you provide your body with sufficient minerals, especially sodium (found in table salt).

If possible, schedule your outdoor appointments and (grocery) shopping in the early morning or evening hours.

Wear light, loose, and light-colored clothing. Fabrics such as thin cotton, hemp, linen, silk, and viscose are good for breathable clothing on hot days. Avoid clothing made from polyester, acrylic fibers, and leather.

Protect yourself with a hat, sunglasses with UV protection, and sunscreen along with sufficient drinking water. Sunscreen with an SPF of 50 is recommended.

Try to keep the sunlight out of your apartment, if possible, with shutters, blinds, curtains, or even a bed sheet. Shutters are best.

Open the windows when it is cooler outside – likely early in the morning or at night. The rule of thumb is to ventilate when it is cooler outside than inside.

Cool yourself with a wet towel or wrap on your arms, legs, forehead, and neck. Cold foot baths provide good cooling, but implementation can be difficult for the elderly and for those with chronic diseases. Alternatively, you can hold your forearms in or under cold water at the sink. Shower with lukewarm water, as cold water stresses the cardiovascular system.

Turn on a fan if the air and heat are stagnant in the apartment.

Try to keep the room as cool as possible and use only a light linen cloth, a duvet cover without a blanket, or a cotton sheet as a cover. Turn on a fan if feasible.

Do not exercise extensively. Stay in shaded areas or cool spots during breaks. Protect yourself from UV rays with breathable functional clothing and a cap. Shower with lukewarm water, as cold water stresses the cardiovascular system.

If you take medications, contact your doctor before a heatwave. Check the heat tolerance and storage instructions of your medications. Store medicines in the fridge according to the recommended storage temperature.

Look out for each other and help those in need.
You can find more information on the website of the Federal Center for Health Education.

https://www.klima-mensch-gesundheit.de/hitzeschutz/empfehlungen-bei-hitze/

Please pay attention to your body and the symptoms listed below.
If the following symptoms occur, you should contact your doctor’s practice or the medical on-call service at 116 117:

• Nausea, dizziness
• Headache
• Feeling of exhaustion

If the following symptoms occur, you should call the emergency number 112:

• Impaired consciousness, unconsciousness
• Newly occurring confusion
• Repeated vomiting
• Body temperature above 39°C

Scientists mostly agree that climate change and the greenhouse effect are significantly influenced by human activities. The burning of coal and oil, large-scale deforestation, agriculture, factory farming, wastewater treatment, garbage dumps, and rice cultivation play important roles in the formation of the greenhouse effect. These activities release gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. The so-called greenhouse gases accumulate in the atmosphere and lead to an increased temperature in the lower layer of air. The more greenhouse gases are released, the higher is the impact on climate change. This phenomenon has been observed since the start of industrialization in the 19th century. For more information, visit:

https://www.planet-wissen.de/natur/klima/klimawandel/index.html

Climate change is having a faster impact on Europe compared to other continents. The ongoing climate change creates climate risks, which include extreme heat, drought, wildfires, and flooding. According to the European Environment Agency, these climate risks threaten energy and food security, ecosystems, infrastructure, water resources, financial stability, and thus the health of people in Europe. Several climate risks exist simultaneously in some regions of Europe. The prevailing heat and water scarcity in Southern Europe for example threaten agriculture and, therefore, food security. Wildfires and outdoor work can negatively affect human health. Coastal regions of Europe regularly experience flooding, erosion, and saltwater intrusion in many densely populated cities. Heat poses the highest risk to human health, especially for vulnerable groups, people who work outdoors, or people living in densely built cities with so-called heat island effect. For more information, visit:

https://www.eea.europa.eu/de/highlights/europa-ist-nicht-auf-die