As temperatures surge across Europe, governments are issuing warnings and implementing measures to protect vulnerable populations from the extreme heat. Germany's weather agency, the DWD, forecasts temperatures nearing 95°F (35°C) with high humidity in the western regions on Saturday, spreading eastward to reach up to 99°F (37°C) by Sunday. The German Health Ministry advises residents to stay indoors, maintain hydration, and avoid strenuous activities, especially during the hottest parts of the day.
Austria, expecting temperatures to hit 95°F (35°C) on Monday, has established a free hotline to provide guidance on coping with the heat. The southern Austrian state of Carinthia has activated a heat protection plan for over 900 care homes, hospitals, and other facilities to monitor individuals at higher risk from the extreme temperatures.
Heatwaves pose a significant health risk, contributing to thousands of deaths across Europe annually. Experts warn that climate change will likely exacerbate this issue in the coming years. This week alone, the planet has experienced three new unofficial global temperature records, underscoring the urgency of addressing the impacts of rising temperatures. Carinthia's top health official, Beate Prettner, emphasizes that heat precautions extend beyond human populations, urging pet owners to provide ample water and shade for their animals and warning against the dangers of leaving pets in parked cars, even for short periods.
