Heat warning for Würzburg: How to protect yourself from the summer heat!

Heat warning for Würzburg: How to protect yourself from the summer heat!

Summer is approaching with scorching heat! The German Weather Service has issued the first heat warning of the year for Friday, June 13, 2025 for the region around Würzburg and the Main-Spessart district. The Main Valley, both northeast and southwest of Würzburg, is particularly affected, and the heat warning applies from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The temperatures could reach dangerous levels during these hours, which is why the Main-Spessart Health Department urgently warns about the health risks. Older people, those in need of care, the sick, and infants and small children are particularly at risk. These groups should pay particular attention to their condition and take appropriate precautions to protect themselves from the heat.

Tips for hot days

The Bavarian Ministry of Health has already made some simple but important recommendations to better survive the heat. This includes consuming at least 1.5 to 2 liters of liquid every day, ideally water. When spending time outdoors, don't forget to wear sunscreen to avoid sunburn. Wearing light clothing and a hat may also be essential. To keep your home cool, it is advisable to only ventilate early in the morning or at night.

In addition, sporting activities should be postponed until the cooler morning and evening hours in order to avoid unnecessarily exposing yourself to the heat. Experts warn that the impact of heat waves on human health and well-being will increase in the coming decades, not least due to climate change. According to information from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), particularly vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and people with chronic illnesses must be taken into account. The RKI has carried out long-term evaluations of heat-related excess mortality.

Heat action plans for municipalities

In Germany, it is ultimately the states and municipalities that are responsible for effective heat measures and serial heat action plans. The aim of these plans is to prepare the population for upcoming heat waves and to ensure optimal protection. Comprehensive recommendations for action were developed in a cooperation project between the federal and state governments, which are based on WHO guidelines. These recommendations cover various aspects, from urban design to specific measures for health and care facilities.

By planning and implementing their own heat action plans, more and more federal states, cities and municipalities are gaining importance in heat prevention strategies. Measures such as new urban design concepts, short-term shading campaigns and information campaigns could help to better protect city residents from the consequences of extreme temperatures.

In the current situation, the motto is: stay cool and take care of yourself and those around you!