“He was above average. For example, before the end of the month – there are more days with at least 30 degrees than in an average of June,” said Alexander Orlik, air conditioner at Geosphere Austria on Wednesday.
- Read too: Heat wave in Italy: the highest warning level in many cities
Increased risk of forest fire
The dry winter and the current heat wave also drive up the risk of forest fire in Austria, according to Mortimer Müller from the University of Natural Heritage (Boku). Currently, an increased and moderate risk of forest fire can be assumed. The highest risk of forest fire is currently in sub -Carinthia and in parts of Styria. Flash fires in particular can occur across the country, which represent the most common cause of forest fires in summer in Austria.
“If the rainfall on Thursday is not productive and the heat wave, as is currently forecast, will be extended, a high risk of forest fires will be possible for the first time this year,” said Müller. According to the measurement data of the Agricultural Ministry or the federal states evaluated by the APA, the groundwater level in Austria is also “very low” in 149 out of 226 current measuring points “to” very low “.
More than 35 degrees for the first time
At the beginning of the week, the 35-degree mark was reached for the first time this year. At 175 of the 290 weather stations of the geosphere, at least 30 degrees were measured on Monday – here one also speaks of a day of heat that has increased significantly in the state capita. In Vienna and Innsbruck, for example, eleven heat days have already occurred, the average in Vienna in June and in Innsbruck on six heat days. To date, there have only been a few tropical nights – three tropical nights were measured in Vienna, while in Vienna there are an average of four tropical nights in Vienna. According to scientists, the warmer temperatures are due to man -made climate change.
“Heat package” for people in need
The consequences of the heat are particularly dangerous for people at risk of poverty and homeless people because they can often escape the hot temperatures in the city less well. “Great heat is very stressful for the human body and can become particularly dangerous for older, chronically ill people. And because we know that homelessness makes you sick in the long run, it is important to look closely here,” said Lis Pichler, head of the homeless facility. In order to counteract the heat wave and support people in need, Caritas has developed a “heat package”. Among other things, there are 23 “climate oases”, Caritas medicine buses with voluntary doctors, street work inserts as well as the distribution of drinking water, sun protection, is mat and summer sleeping bags.
Together with 23 parishes in Vienna and Lower Austria, Caritas invites you to cool down with snacks and drinks for the sixth time in climate oases – i.e. the parish courts. The need is high, and Caritas recorded over 9,000 visits last year. “With the Caritas climate oases, we make summer freshness, low -threshold and free of charge and at the same time fight the increasing loneliness,” said Caritas director Klaus Schwertner.
Health dangers
The school summer holidays will begin in Vienna, Lower Austria and Burgenland, and thus for many families the vacation time. Right now the Samaritan Association warns of heat on long car trips on vacation. It is particularly useful to start it because of the cooler temperatures at night or in the morning, because as you know, the highways are not yet so busy and the asphalt is not yet so much heated up by the sun. Light clothing, sufficient sleep, breaks and easy food, such as acidic fruit, are also helpful. Samaritan Association Federal Chief Gruska warned: “Nobody should take the heat on the shoulder and underestimate the dangers”. Especially in the case of dizziness, nausea, headache, cramps or drowsiness, one should not be afraid to press the emergency call.
Source: Nachrichten
