Extreme temperatures soar in Germany, reaching a scorching 40 degrees.

Extreme temperatures soar in Germany, reaching a scorching 40 degrees.

In the sweltering heat of Europe, Germany and Spain are preparing for a scorching week as temperatures soar and severe weather looms.

On Monday, Barcelona, a popular tourist destination in Catalonia, recorded a local temperature record of 37.6 degrees, while on Tuesday, Kitzingen in Bavaria, Germany, saw its highest temperature of the year so far at 37.8 degrees. As the mercury continues to rise, many parts of the country are expected to experience temperatures between 34 and 38 degrees on Wednesday.

However, the all-time heat record of 41.2 degrees, measured on July 25, 2019, is not expected to be broken this week. Yet, the heatwave is still posing significant health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, young children, pregnant women, people with chronic illnesses, outdoor workers, and the homeless.

To tackle the extreme heat, several precautions and safety measures are recommended. Residents and visitors are urged to stay hydrated, avoid direct sunlight and strenuous outdoor activities, protect vulnerable groups, and monitor health for signs of heat-related illnesses. Nighttime may not cool down sufficiently, so keeping sleeping areas ventilated and cool, and continuing hydration is crucial. Regular checks on relatives, neighbors, and vulnerable people are also essential during heatwaves.

Severe weather is also expected in some regions, with thunderstorms, hail, and strong winds predicted, especially in the south and east. The German Weather Service (DWD) and local authorities are advising residents to stay informed, seek shelter during thunderstorms, secure property, avoid flooding hazards, and prepare for power outages.

The German Lifesaving Association (DLRG) is also warning against jumping into cold water without prior cooling in the current heat and advises against drinking alcohol and other drugs while swimming. The south of Germany is expected to be even hotter on Wednesday, and the risk of forest fires will increase again, particularly in the southeast.

In Austria, new temperature records were set in Carinthia, with 38 degrees, while in Spain, several heat records have been broken, including a new national heat record for June in El Granado at 46 degrees. In Italy, the highest heat warning level has been issued for several cities, including Rome, Milan, Bologna, and Florence, while France has declared a state of emergency due to the heat.

Ute Vogt, DLRG president, states that they cannot monitor every square meter of lake, every meter of river, and every kilometer of coasts. With these challenges, it is essential for everyone to take personal responsibility for their safety during this extreme weather event. By following these measures, residents and visitors can reduce health risks and property damage during periods of extreme heat and severe weather.

Support calls from health organizations for heat to be classified as a natural disaster are growing, and advocacy for better heat action plans and emergency preparedness is needed. As the world continues to grapple with the impacts of climate change, it is crucial that we adapt and take action to protect ourselves and our communities from extreme weather events.

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