Highest red alert level on Tuesday and Wednesday: Extreme heat in eastern Austria

GeoSphere Austria has issued a red heat warning for Vienna, northern Burgenland and north-eastern Lower Austria for Tuesday and Wednesday. Temperatures will remain high on Thursday too, particularly in the east; the heatwave is not expected to ease off until Friday, when temperatures will reach a maximum of 33 degrees.

The current heatwave in Austria is heading towards its peak. According to GeoSphere Austria’s forecasting department, it will be extremely hot in eastern Austria, particularly on Tuesday and Wednesday. The all-time temperature record (40.5 degrees in Bad Deutsch-Altenburg in 2013) could also be broken.

A red heat warning has therefore been issued for the following regions for Tuesday and Wednesday: Vienna, Weinviertel, Northern Burgenland including Seewinkel, the Vienna Basin and the city of St. Pölten.

One of the key factors behind the red heat warning is the fact that temperatures are barely dropping at night. Expected minimum temperatures of 24 to 27 degrees illustrate this. Even outside urban areas, temperatures of around 23 degrees and above are possible.

GeoSphere Austria recommends that residents of regions under a red heatwave warning take the following precautions:

• Avoid direct sunlight and protect children from the sun. Avoid built-up and paved areas where there is no shade.
• Do not go outside during the hottest part of the day (approx. 12 noon to 4 pm).
• Close curtains and blinds, and open windows mainly at night or during the cool morning hours.
• Avoid strenuous activity and schedule outdoor physical activities for the early morning or evening.
• Wear light-coloured, breathable clothing and a hat.
• Take a cool shower or cold arm and foot baths.
• Drink plenty of fluids regularly (at least 2 to 3 litres), preferably water, unsweetened tea or fruit juices diluted with water. Take particular care to ensure that older people and children drink regularly.
• Eat light meals and avoid alcohol at all costs.

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)