Germany's Extreme Heat Events Surge, Threatening Public Health
Germany has witnessed a rise in extreme heat events, with summers in 2003, 2015, 2018, and 2022 experiencing particularly high numbers of 'Hot Days' and 'Tropical Nights'. These events, defined as days with maximum temperatures above 30°C and nights with minimum temperatures not below 20°C, pose significant health risks and are set to increase due to climate change.
Heat stress, exacerbated by high air temperatures and intense sunlight promoting ground-level ozone formation, can lead to serious health issues. Inner cities, due to the urban heat island effect, can experience up to 10°C higher minimum temperatures than outskirts during nights, exacerbating the problem. The summers of 2018 and 2019 mainly affected central and eastern Germany, while 2022 primarily hit the Upper Rhine Plain and southern urban areas. Climate change is predicted to make these events more frequent, intense, and longer-lasting. Heat-related mortality is expected to increase by 1 to 6 percent per degree Celsius of temperature rise, corresponding to over 5,000 additional deaths from heat per year by mid-century. Regional variations exist, with southern Germany experiencing more hot days and southwestern Germany more tropical nights in 2015. During heat waves, people face extreme heat during the day and high indoor temperatures at night, leading to thermophysiological stress and lack of recovery.
Germany's extreme heat events, as measured by 'Hot Days' and 'Tropical Nights', are increasing and pose significant health risks. Climate change is driving this trend, with severe consequences predicted for the future. Understanding and mitigating these risks is crucial for public health and safety.
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