Hesse is burning! Heat wave with 38 degrees – How to protect yourself!

Hesse is burning! Heat wave with 38 degrees – How to protect yourself!

Hesse is facing a heat wave that will cause temperatures to rise to 38 degrees in the coming days. On Monday the weather is expected to be sunny with cumulus clouds over the mountains, while temperatures will be between 31 and 36 degrees. The heat will be particularly intense on Tuesday and Wednesday, where temperatures could even exceed 38 degrees, and temperatures over 30 degrees are possible even at higher altitudes. On Tuesday alone the sunshine duration could be over 15 hours, which will lead to a high UV index. These conditions increase the risk of sunburns, such as F.A.Z. reported.

But the heat not only brings sunshine, but also risks. On hot days, healthy adults should drink more than 1.5 liters of fluid to avoid dehydration. Older people and people with previous illnesses such as cardiovascular or lung diseases are particularly at risk. The ZDF today points out that around 9,100 people in Germany died from heat in the summer of 2022, which exceeds the number of deaths from traffic accidents and drug use.

Preparing for extreme weather conditions

In view of the increasing dangers posed by the climate, the city of Frankfurt has presented a “climate change action plan”. This aims to protect citizens from climate-related emergencies. Hans-Georg Dannert, head of the climate department, commented on the expectations for an effective plan that also includes measures for more frequent forest fires. Heat warnings will be issued next weekend, particularly in the southern half of Hesse, and the fire brigade should be able to respond more quickly to forest fires in the future.

The health department will be primarily responsible for protecting vulnerable groups - such as older people, pregnant women and the homeless - in order to protect them from the consequences of heat, floods and other climate impacts. Hesse show also reports on hidden dangers such as the spread of ticks and other pests that accompany rising temperatures.

Health risks in extreme heat

The health effects of extreme temperatures should not be underestimated. According to experts, physical exertion should be avoided during the hottest part of the day. They also recommend drinking regularly and using cooling agents such as damp cloths or lukewarm showers. The risks are varied: everything from dehydration to serious health complications is possible. It is therefore important to pay particular attention to older people and people who live alone ZDF today makes clear in its recommendations.

As Hesse prepares for the hot days ahead, it is even more important to be vigilant and take appropriate precautions to protect everyone's health and thereby reduce possible dangers.