Alert Issued by Germany's Weather Agency
In light of the upcoming extreme heat wave, it's crucial for everyone in Aachen to take appropriate measures to stay safe and healthy. The German Weather Service has issued a warning of extreme heat stress up to a height of 200m for Thursday, August 14.
Extreme heat stress poses a serious health hazard for everyone, particularly older people and children who require targeted attention. To combat this, here are some general recommendations for coping with extreme heat stress in Aachen:
Staying Hydrated
It's essential to drink at least two liters of mineral-rich drinks like water or tea on hot days, and avoid coffee, drinks with a lot of sugar, alcohol, very cold drinks, and heavy meals. Drinking water fountains are located at the entrance of the Elisengarten in Ursulinerstraße, on the Münsterplatz (the Möschebrunnen), in the Alexanderstraße at the Hotmannspiefbrunnen, and in the Heinrich-Hollands-Straße in Aachen-Nord. Four administrative buildings of the city of Aachen and one of the StaedteRegion also offer free drinking water during opening hours.
Avoiding Direct Sunlight and Exertion
Protect rooms from direct sunlight early on, and ventilate at night and in the early morning hours when temperatures rise. Exercise in hot weather is better in the early morning or late afternoon and evening hours, and strong physical exertion during the midday heat should be avoided.
Safety Precautions
Do not leave children and animals in a parked car, as it can heat up strongly. Monitor signs such as rapid breathing and elevated body temperature to recognize heat stress early.
Urban Planning Adaptation
German cities are developing adaptation plans that consider urban morphology and heat characteristics to reduce heat stress effects due to the urban heat island effect. Supporting urban greening and reflective building materials can also help reduce urban heat buildup.
Use of Thermal Spas and Cooling Facilities
Places like Carolus Thermen Bad Aachen offer access to pools, steam rooms, and garden areas that can help residents cool down and recover from heat exposure.
Gradual Acclimatization
While presented in an equine context, gradual acclimatization to heat and humidity through short periods of exposure could potentially be adapted for humans or animals at risk during heat waves.
If you need official or city-specific guidance for Aachen, consulting local health departments or municipal climate adaptation plans is recommended.
Sleep Quality
If it remains warm at night (over 20 degrees Celsius), sleep quality deteriorates, making it harder to cope with the heat during the day.
Sun Protection
Protect yourself against ultraviolet radiation with suitable clothing, a sun hat, and sunglasses, and skin not covered by clothing should be well rubbed with sunscreen.
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Stay safe and stay cool in the upcoming heat wave!
In the face of the extreme heat wave, the German Weather Service's weather forecasting indicates a warning of extreme heat stress for Aachen on Thursday, August 14. To cope with this weather-related crisis, it's advisable to adhere to the city's guidelines providing safety precautions, urban planning adaptation measures, and recommendations for staying hydrated, avoiding direct sunlight, ensuring good sleep quality, and using cooling facilities when necessary.
