Record-breaking summer heat strikes Baden-Württemberg, registers 36 degrees.
Hottest Day of Summer Looms in Baden-Württemberg: Heat Wave Brings Risks
Baden-Württemberg is bracing for the hottest day of summer, with temperatures predicted to soar as high as 36 degrees in some areas along the Upper Rhine. This strong comeback of summer weather, while bringing joy to many, also poses certain risks.
The German Weather Service (DWD) has issued warnings about the increasing risk of tropical nights, where the air fails to cool below 20 degrees Celsius at night. This prolonged heat can lead to values of extreme heat in many places, straining both the body and infrastructure.
Health risks associated with extreme heat are severe. Older adults, young children, and people with chronic diseases are particularly vulnerable. Symptoms of heat stress and heat exhaustion, such as dizziness, headaches, nausea, and muscle cramps, signal the body's struggle to cool down. If unchecked, heat exhaustion can rapidly progress to heatstroke, a medical emergency where the body's temperature rises above 40°C, sweating stops, and the skin becomes hot and dry, leading to potential permanent disability or death.
Heat waves in Germany cause over 3,000 deaths each summer, with increasing frequency and intensity of hot days and tropical nights as climate change intensifies. High heat also aggravates chronic respiratory diseases, arthritis, and cardiovascular problems, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses and death.
Efforts are being made to mitigate these risks. Heat action plans are being implemented, climate resilience is being improved in healthcare, and workplace adaptations like flexible hours, hydration, and dress code adjustments are being advocated. The growing frequency of extreme heat events makes these measures increasingly vital to public health in Baden-Württemberg and across Germany.
In urban areas, heat retention by asphalt and concrete means temperatures do not cool down significantly at night, dropping only to 11 to 14 degrees Celsius. This can negatively affect sleep quality and recovery. Asphalt can also heat up and deform, posing a risk to both drivers and pedestrians.
Animals are also suffering from the high temperatures and need shade and sufficient water. Overheating of the ground can also affect crops and vegetation, potentially leading to food shortages.
The DWD warns that perceived temperatures of 32 degrees Celsius increase the health burden, and 38 degrees Celsius indicates extreme heat. As we face the hottest day of summer, it is crucial for everyone, especially vulnerable groups, to take precautions to stay safe and healthy.
- In the context of climate change, the rising temperatures pose a significant threat to mental health, as the stress of extreme heat can exacerbate symptoms of anxiety and depression.
- Adequate skin care is essential during hot weather, as the skin is more susceptible to sunburn and heat rash.
- The rise in extreme heat events due to climate change highlights the need for advancements in environmental science and therapies and treatments for heat-related illnesses.
- To maintain overall wellness during heatwaves, it's crucial to incorporate fitness and exercise routines that help regulate body temperature and promote cardiovascular health, especially while working in high-temperature environments.
