Heat wave over northern Germany: This is how the population protects itself!

Heat wave over northern Germany: This is how the population protects itself!

The thermometer is rising in Hamburg: temperatures above 30 degrees are noticeable throughout northern Germany. August shows its hot side, and with it comes not only the bright sun, but also the challenges for our society. Known vulnerable groups, such as older people, the homeless, and sick and young people, are particularly hard hit. NDR reports that the city is responding in various ways to help these people.

There are contact points and shelters for homeless people in many cities in northern Germany. In Hamburg, the Diakonie's midnight bus is not only used late at night, but also during the day to hand out lockable drinking containers. The buses have 30 stops in the city center, at the harbor and in Altona to ensure accessibility. The head of the Diakonisches Werk Hannover calls on citizens to show solidarity and offer support.

Heat protection for everyone

This heat wave not only brings homeless assistance into play, but also sheds light on the situation in hospitals and care facilities. Experts are urgently calling for structural measures for better heat protection. The German Hospital Association and the Patient Protection Foundation emphasize that the federal government is obliged to provide the necessary financial resources. The social association VdK criticizes the inadequate preparation of many care facilities for these extreme weather conditions. daily news reports that a heat protection plan is considered essential for nursing homes, hospitals and assisted living communities.

Particular attention is paid to the need for older people and those in need of care to monitor their fluid intake to prevent dehydration. The Asklepios Clinics in Hamburg are already expecting an increase in emergency patients due to these weather conditions. The importance of educational institutions that should respond better to such conditions in the future is also highlighted. Gerhard Brand from the Education and Upbringing Association sees the school authorities as responsible for providing the necessary funds.

A consideration of the dangers

The heat is not a new phenomenon, but the numbers speak for themselves: According to the German Weather Service, the frequency of days with temperatures above 30 degrees has tripled since the 1950s. These heat waves can often have fatal consequences for vulnerable populations. It is estimated that between 55,000 and 72,000 people lost their lives due to extreme heat in the summers of 2003, 2010 and 2022. Last year alone, an estimated 3,000 people in Germany died due to heat, an alarming statistic that gives us pause.

With the forest fire danger having risen to the second highest level of 4, the environment is also being affected. In the coming week, short showers and thunderstorms are possible in the west of Lower Saxony, Schleswig-Holstein and Hamburg, although temperatures could rise above 30 degrees again on Friday, with maximum values ​​of up to 34 degrees.

There is some light on the horizon: a cooling from northwest winds is in sight at the weekend, which could bring us more bearable highs of 20 to 27 degrees. The Perseids, the impressive shooting star shower, are also active until August 24th and could offer a little break at night from the drama of summer weather.