Heat alarm in Hesse: Up to 40 degrees and high risk of forest fires!

Heat alarm in Hesse: Up to 40 degrees and high risk of forest fires!

Today, July 2, 2025, a hot summer day is expected in Hesse with temperatures of up to 40 degrees Celsius. [Tagesschau] reports that heat warning level 2 has been in effect since Tuesday and health experts are predicting more intense heat stress. Young people in particular, who have often been viewed as insensitive to heat, are increasingly requiring observation in emergency departments, where cases of heat-related emergencies are increasing.

The temperatures at midday reach 35 degrees in cities like Frankfurt and 34.9 degrees in Michelstadt. This is part of a worrying development, as heat stress in Germany has increased noticeably in recent years. The German Weather Service (DWD) is addressing the increasing number of “hot days”, i.e. those with temperatures of 30 degrees or more, and is warning the population about the health risks that particularly affect older people, the chronically ill and small children. The DWD warns that temperatures above 38 degrees are considered extreme heat stress, which includes advance warning for many people in Hesse.

Health risks and precautions

The rising temperatures not only put a strain on people's well-being, but also on their cardiovascular system. Regular consumption of sufficient fluids is therefore crucial. [BBK] recommends drinking at least 1.5 to 2 liters daily, with mineral water and diluted juices being preferred. We should also dress in light, light-colored clothing and choose quiet times of day for physical activity. Monitoring and the existing information on heat protection measures are becoming increasingly important.

The effects of urban density are particularly evident in cities such as Darmstadt, Wiesbaden and Frankfurt: the heat is increased there, which increases the uncertainty of citizens. In an appeal, the BUND is calling for a rethink in urban planning in order to better address the increase in such heat waves. Health Minister Stolz emphasizes the need for measures to combat extreme heat stress and calls for people at risk to be kept in mind.

Forest fire risk and leisure activities

The situation is also exacerbated by a high risk of forest fires in the Rhine-Main area, which is leading to the closure of barbecue areas in Hofheim and police checks in Hanau. Shipping on the Rhine is also experiencing restrictions due to falling water levels.

The dangers are not just limited to temperatures; Bathing waters also pose risks. Due to the increased occurrence of blue-green algae in several swimming lakes in Hesse, citizens should exercise caution and only swim in guarded swimming areas. When spending your free time, it makes sense to seek out shady places and avoid the midday heat.

Summary and outlook

Today the book bus in Darmstadt will also be stopped due to the heat, which shows how far-reaching the effects of extreme temperatures can be. The Frankfurt Music School's music parade also had to be canceled. The summer of 2025 seems to be demanding a lot from the population, and we can only hope that everyone gets through this heat wave well.

Experts are also very concerned about the increase in heat-related emergencies in emergency rooms, which is why exchanges between the Ministry of Health, authorities and other institutions are necessary. The Robert Koch Institute is monitoring the situation closely and will soon publish a weekly report on heat-related mortality in order to better assess the situation.