Heat wave hits: This is how Bavaria protects itself from the summer heat!

Heat wave hits: This is how Bavaria protects itself from the summer heat!

Heat, the biggest health risk in Germany caused by climate change, is the focus of cities and communities in Bavaria. On the occasion of Heat Action Day on June 4, 2025, the German Alliance for Climate Change and Health (KLUG) e.V. makes it clear that awareness of the dangers of extreme temperatures must be increased. Vulnerable groups, such as older people or people with previous illnesses, are particularly the focus of these warnings. Climate change has caused the number of hot days in Bavaria to increase almost threefold in the last few decades. While from 1951 to 1980 there were an average of three hot days per year, today there are over eight hot days per year, with days with temperatures over 30 degrees Celsius and nighttime temperatures over 20 degrees being defined as hot days. Süddeutsche reports that the increase in heat-related emergencies, such as dizziness and confusion, is reaching alarming proportions.

The forecast from the Robert Koch Institute is particularly critical, as it expects around 3,000 heat-related deaths in the summer of 2024. The situation is exacerbated by urban conditions, as places with high traffic volumes and a lot of sealed surfaces heat up significantly at these temperatures. To counteract the heat, municipalities are developing special strategies. The Federal Environment Agency explains that extreme heat events, which will occur frequently, primarily pose a risk to vulnerable groups.

Preventive measures in municipalities

In Nuremberg, for example, there is a heat telephone that provides voluntary support at temperatures above 30 degrees. Würzburg has even introduced a heat action plan since 2023, which includes city climate tours and drinking fountains. In this context, Munich is launching an online map with cool places in parks and public indoor spaces to provide relief for citizens. The Süddeutsche reports on these specific measures in various cities.

Cities like Geretsried and Bad Tölz are integrating how to deal with heat into their urban planning. Bad Tölz, for example, has created shady areas and installed drinking water dispensers at Amortplatz. Penzberg also relies on active tree care to provide shade and offers drinking fountains on the town square. In Tegernsee there are drinking water points and e-bike charging stations that encourage active leisure activities in nature. Münsing goes one step further and promotes planting for cooling. Wolfratshausen has also started a project entitled “There’s a tree missing here” that aims to create more green spaces. The Federal Environment Agency points out that inner cities in particular suffer from the urban heat island effect.

With all of these measures, the Bavarian municipalities show that they have a good knack for meeting the challenges of climate change. Increased focus on heat action plans and preventive strategies could not only improve the quality of life but also protect the health of citizens. Climate change has arrived and it is up to us to take active action.