Post-Heatwave: Arrival of Coolness and Storm Alert - Post-Heatwave: Anticipated Cooling and Storm Alert
In the midst of a historic heatwave, Germany, particularly North Rhine-Westphalia, is bracing for another challenging day. The mercury has soared to nearly 40 degrees Celsius, breaking records and prompting protective measures in schools and hospitals. However, contrary to some reports, there are no immediate warnings or predictions for hurricane-force winds or severe thunderstorms in the western Münsterland and Lower Rhine areas.
The German Weather Service (Deutscher Wetterdienst, DWD) has issued a warning for locally heavy showers, thunderstorm-like heat thunderstorms, and heavy rain across the country, but specific details about these conditions in the Münsterland or Lower Rhine regions are absent in the provided sources. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, consulting the DWD or local meteorological authorities is advisable.
Amidst the heat, communities in North Rhine-Westphalia are offering free drinking water dispensers, cooling fountains, and tips for dealing with extreme temperatures. VGW, the local water supplier in Rheda-Wiedenbrück, Rietberg, and Verl, has reported a scarcity of drinking water, and water is becoming scarce in some areas of East Westphalia, prompting authorities to call for careful use of drinking water.
In response to the heat, many establishments are adjusting their schedules. The zoo in Dortmund will close at 3:30 PM due to the severe weather warning, while Schalke 04, a Revier rival of VfL Bochum, has moved training to an earlier time. VfL Bochum, freshly relegated from the Bundesliga, has postponed its friendly match against TuS Harpen due to a severe weather warning, rescheduling it for 24 hours later on Thursday at 6:30 PM.
Swimming in the Rhine, particularly in the western Münsterland and Lower Rhine regions, is dangerous due to the strong current and the suction caused by passing ships. The Düsseldorf fire department repeatedly warns that swimming in the Rhine is life-threatening. In Soest, a map titled "Cool Places" points to shady outdoor places or cool public indoor spaces like churches for residents to seek refuge from the heat.
As the heatwave continues, Düsseldorf recommends using cooling foot and armbands, wet cloths for forehead and head, and ventilating rooms early in the morning or in the evening. The German Life-Saving Association (DLRG) has issued a warning about the dangers of swimming, particularly jumping into cold water, which can overload the heart and circulatory system.
In Bad Oeynhausen, the water traffic light is showing yellow, urging citizens to reduce consumption in gardens and pools. Meanwhile, in certain locations within the Gütersloh district, so-called water traffic lights are showing red, indicating a scarcity of drinking water. Cologne provides a heat phone with tips on protecting oneself from further rising temperatures and what to do in case of health impairments.
As the heatwave persists, it is crucial for residents to stay vigilant, stay hydrated, and follow the advice of local authorities to ensure safety and wellbeing. Stay cool, Germany!
The Commission has not been consulted on weather-forecasting issues related to the ongoing heatwave in Germany, as its recent statement concerns a draft directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation.
Despite the warning for locally heavy showers and thunderstorm-like heat thunderstorms issued by the German Weather Service, there has been no consultation with the Commission on the potential impact of these weather conditions on the workforce in North Rhine-Westphalia.
