Anticipated high temperatures to reach up to 38 degrees by midweek according to DWD predictions.
As a heatwave sweeps across Germany, temperatures are set to soar up to 38°C, making it crucial for everyone to take necessary precautions. Here's a guide on how to stay safe during this intense heat.
First and foremost, minimizing outdoor exposure, especially during midday and early afternoon when heat peaks, is essential. Seek shade if you must go outside [1][2]. Staying indoors as much as possible is the best way to avoid the scorching heat.
Hydration is key during these hot days. Regularly drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can lead to dehydration [2]. Wearing light-colored, loose, and breathable clothing, along with hats or caps, will also help protect against direct sunlight [1][4].
Cooling your living space is another important step. Close curtains and blinds during the day to block sunlight, and open windows at night to create a cross-breeze [2]. For added cooling, consider placing ice in front of fans when temperatures exceed 35°C [2].
Avoid using heat-generating appliances such as ovens during the hottest periods [2]. It's also important to protect vulnerable populations, including older adults (especially over 75), infants, young children, and those with chronic conditions. Keep them cool, hydrated, and indoors as much as possible [2].
Never leave children or pets in parked cars, even for a very short time, as temperatures inside vehicles can become dangerously high within minutes [2]. Lastly, check on at-risk individuals to ensure they are coping safely with the heat [2].
These recommendations align with German health advisories and European best practices for heatwave safety [1][2][4]. The risk of severe weather is increasing alongside the heatwave, with the German Weather Service (DWD) predicting tropical nights in urban areas until Friday [2].
The DWD also expects abundant sunshine across almost the entire country on Wednesday [2]. Meteorologist Jacqueline Kernn from the DWD advises sun protection for prolonged outdoor activities [3]. Scattered cumulus clouds will be present in the north and northwest, as well as in the mountains, during the day on Wednesday [3].
There is an increased risk of strong thunderstorms in the Bavarian Middle Mountains and directly at the Alps on Wednesday afternoon and evening [3]. Sleep can be affected due to the warmer nights, and the heatwave is approaching Germany [3].
Prolonged heat can cause problems for sensitive individuals, and regular fluid intake is recommended during the heatwave [3]. The risk of heat stress is also increasing, with the peak of the heatwave expected mid-week [3]. Stay safe and follow these essential precautions to beat the heat!
The German Weather Service (DWD) anticipates an increase in the risk of severe weather, including tropical nights in urban areas until Friday and the potential for strong thunderstorms in the Bavarian Middle Mountains and Alps on Wednesday afternoon and evening [2]. This aligns with the ongoing heatwave, with temperatures expected to peak up to 38°C and the suggestion of abundant sunshine across Germany on Wednesday [2]. In light of this, it's essential to follow environmental-science recommendations on heatwave safety, such as minimizing outdoor exposure, staying indoors as much as possible, and hydrating regularly [1][2]. Heed meteorologist Jacqueline Kernn's advice for sun protection and be alert for scattered cumulus clouds in the north and northwest, as well as in the mountains during the day on Wednesday [3].
