Severe heat wave approaching Germany, as per German meteorological service's warning.
Heatwave Hits Germany and Spain, Poses Health Risks
A severe heatwave is currently affecting Germany and Spain, with temperatures predicted to reach up to 38 to near 40 degrees Celsius in some regions. The heatwave is expected to last through Friday, with some relief from thunderstorms arriving later in the week.
Danger Zones and Temperature Forecasts
Southern Germany is expected to experience the brunt of the heat, with temperatures ranging from 30 to 36 degrees Celsius, intensifying to near 40 degrees in some areas. Frankfurt, in particular, is forecasted to reach up to 38°C, bearing the worst of the heat on Wednesday and Thursday. Regions such as Stuttgart, Saarbrücken, Berlin, Leipzig, Nuremberg, and Cologne will experience highs ranging from 31 to 36 degrees. The cooler areas at the coast, like the northern Baltic Sea coastline, will have around 30°C.
Precautions Recommended by German Health Authorities
Residents are advised to take several precautions to stay safe during the heatwave. These include drinking two to three litres of water daily to stay hydrated, scheduling intensive outdoor activities in cooler hours to avoid heat stress, wearing head coverings and high-factor sun protection when outdoors, and monitoring local weather warnings for thunderstorm risks and other heat-related hazards.
Impacts and Warnings Across Europe
This heatwave is part of a broader European heat dome affecting much of the continent, with record-breaking temperatures and potential worsening drought in some regions. Thunderstorms are expected to offer some cooling relief toward the end of the week. Greece has imposed work bans due to the scorching heat and authorities warn of high forest fire risk. Winds could rapidly spread forest fires in Greece.
Vulnerable Groups and Potential Consequences
The heatwave poses a danger to the health of the elderly and those in need of care. In Spain, dramatic consequences of the heatwave are being reported, with deaths and a forest fire near the tourist town of Tarifa forcing over 1,500 people to flee. In Rhineland-Palatinate, Hesse, and the Saarland, more than 500 people have reported heat-related illnesses to the IKK Südwest health insurance company this year, compared to just over 400 last year in the same regions.
Absence of Specific Information
No specific information about the timing or duration of the heatwave was provided in the text. Additionally, the text does not mention any specific regions that will be most affected by the heatwave or any measures being taken to mitigate its effects. Little cooling, but oppressive humidity is expected during the heatwave.
In summary, southern and central Germany are most at risk from extreme heat reaching up to 40°C, with ongoing hot conditions expected through the week. Residents are advised to take precautions, especially vulnerable groups such as the elderly and those with health conditions.
- The ongoing heatwave, with temperatures reaching up to 40 degrees Celsius, is causing concern among health authorities, particularly for vulnerable groups such as the elderly and those with health conditions.
- This extreme heatwave, affecting southern and central Germany, is indicative of the broader climate-change effects on weather patterns, intertwining health risks with environmental-science challenges.
