Unbearably hot

Highest Alert Level Expected This Weekend in the Northeast

Temperatures are expected to exceed 35 degrees in all state capitals. In Vienna, the temperature could reach 40 degrees for the first time.(Bild: Malena Brenek)

Austria is sweltering as the next major heat wave of the year is currently rolling into the northeast of the country. By the weekend, temperatures in Vienna, Lower Austria, and Burgenland will rise to just under 40 degrees.

Due to the heat wave, GeoSphere Austria has issued the highest weather warning level for the coming weekend for northeastern Austria—including the Wels/Linz area—as well as Graz, Klagenfurt, and Villach.

“Extreme Heat Stress”
The affected areas were upgraded from orange to red on Wednesday. This means that “extreme heat stress” is expected. According to the forecast, temperatures in all provincial capitals are expected to exceed 35 degrees on Saturday and Sunday, with Vienna reaching up to 40 degrees.

Temperatures above 35 degrees are expected in all provincial capitals. In Vienna, the 40-degree mark could be reached for the first time.(Bild: Malena Brenek)

Graph shows perceived temperature
The warnings issued by Geosphere Austria are based on the forecasted perceived temperature, which takes into account not only the air temperature but also factors such as humidity, wind, and nighttime cooling. A red alert is issued when the perceived temperature reaches 40 degrees or higher.

The calculation uses the German Weather Service’s “Klima-Michel Model.” It assesses the strain heat places on the human body and serves as the basis for the Austrian heat warning system. While no warning is issued for heat index temperatures below 30 degrees, the warning level rises from Yellow to Orange and up to the highest level, Red, for severe heat stress starting at 40 degrees.

Watch for the body’s warning signs
Both in the red-marked areas—from Wels through Steyr, covering almost all of Lower Austria and Vienna, to Eisenstadt and northern Burgenland—as well as in the orange-marked rest of Austria, Geosphere warns of potential effects on the human body. Possible symptoms include elevated body temperature and heart rate, weakness and fatigue, headaches, muscle cramps, as well as confusion, dizziness, impaired consciousness, or nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Avoid built-up and paved areas where there is no shade! Do not go outside during the hottest part of the day! Draw the curtains.

Experten der GeoSphere Austria geben Tipps bei Hitze

Avoid direct sunlight; seek out shaded areas
Direct sunlight should be avoided. “Make sure children are protected from the sun,” the guidelines state. Furthermore: “Avoid built-up and paved areas where there is no shade! Do not go outside during the hottest part of the day! Draw the curtains or close the blinds. Open the windows mainly at night or during the cool morning hours! Avoid strenuous activity or postpone outdoor physical activities until the early morning or evening.”

Drink Enough Water
You should drink at least two to three liters of water, unsweetened tea, or fruit juice diluted with water per day and avoid alcohol.