Austria Faces First Major Heatwave in 2025

Heat days over 30 degrees, many hours of sunshine, low precipitation, and increased risk of forest fires: Austria is experiencing the first heatwave of the year with a June that is extremely unusual in terms of temperature. "It was above average warm. For example, there are already - before the end of the month - more days with at least 30 degrees than in an average June," explained Alexander Orlik, climatologist at Geosphere Austria, in response to an APA inquiry on Wednesday.

Heatwave Affects Forest Fire Risk in Austria

The dry winter and the current heatwave are also driving up the risk of forest fires in Austria, according to Mortimer Müller from the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (Boku). Currently, an increased and in some places moderate risk of forest fires is to be expected. The highest risk of forest fires currently exists in Lower Carinthia and parts of Styria. Specifically, lightning strike fires can occur throughout the country, which are the most common cause of forest fires in Austria during the summer.

"If the precipitation on Thursday is not substantial and the heatwave, as currently forecasted, continues, a high risk of forest fires is possible for the first time this year next week," explained Müller. According to measurement data evaluated by the APA from the Ministry of Agriculture and the federal states, the groundwater level in Austria is "low" to "very low" at 149 out of 226 current measurement sites.

Heat Days and Tropical Nights

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 Geosphere, at least 30 degrees were measured on Monday - this is also referred to as a hot day, which have significantly increased in the state capitals. In Vienna and Innsbruck, for example, there have already been eleven hot days this year, with the average in June being five in Vienna and six in Innsbruck. Tropical nights have so far only occurred sporadically - three tropical nights were recorded in Vienna, while the average in June in Vienna is four tropical nights. According to scientists, the warmer temperatures are attributed to human-induced climate change.

The effects of the heat are particularly dangerous for people at risk of poverty and the homeless, as they often have less opportunity to escape the hot temperatures in the city. "Extreme heat is very stressful for the human body and can be particularly dangerous for older, chronically ill people. And because we know that homelessness makes people sick in the long run, it is important to pay close attention here," said Lis Pichler, head of the homeless facility Gruft. To counteract the heatwave and support people in need, Caritas has developed a "heat package." This includes, among other things, 23 "climate oases," Caritas medical buses with volunteer doctors, street work operations, as well as the distribution of drinking water, sunscreen, sleeping mats, and summer sleeping bags.

Together with 23 parishes in Vienna and Lower Austria, Caritas is inviting people to cool down with snacks and drinks in climate oases - the parish courtyards - for the sixth time this year. The demand is high; last year, Caritas recorded over 9,000 visits. "With the Caritas climate oases, we make summer freshness easily accessible and free of charge, while simultaneously combating increasing loneliness," said Caritas director Klaus Schwertner.

Warning of Heat During Long Car Journeys

Soon, the school summer holidays will begin in Vienna, Lower Austria, and Burgenland, and for many families, this also marks the start of vacation time. Right now, the Samaritan Association is warning about heat during long car journeys to vacation destinations. It is particularly advisable to start the journey at night or early in the morning due to the cooler temperatures, as the highways are known to be less busy and the asphalt is not yet as heated by the sun. Light clothing, sufficient sleep, breaks, and light meals, such as acidic fruits, are also helpful. Samaritan Association's chief medical officer Gruska warned: "No one should take the heat lightly and underestimate the dangers." Especially in cases of dizziness, nausea, headaches, cramps, or drowsiness, one should not hesitate to call emergency services.

(APA/Red)

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