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VIENNA

Up to 35C: Austria hit by new heatwave as temperatures soar

Temperatures in Austria are expected to reach 35C for several days in a row, with no respite even during the night.

Published: 13 August 2024 16:33 CEST
Up to 35C: Austria hit by new heatwave as temperatures soar
Temperatures in Venna will reach 35C this week. Photo by Lukas: https://www.pexels.com/photo/sunlight-with-white-clouds-296234/

Already last week, temperatures in Austria were above the 30-degree mark. This week, however, starting Monday, August 12th, the summer weather has reached new peaks, with temperatures up to 35C expected for several days in a row.

Hot air masses from Africa

“We are currently dealing with a very strong high-pressure system over Southern, Central, and Western Europe. Hot air masses are being transported from Africa to Europe,” explains Sabrina Nujic-Marth, a meteorologist from GeoSphere Austria to MeinBezirk.

The result of the hot air masses is significantly increased temperatures across Austria, with Vienna expected to be the most affected region.

High temperatures expected to stay for days

According to the latest forecast, Austria is expected to face afternoon temperatures between 28C and 34-35C from Monday 12th until Friday 16th. 

The morning temperatures are also expected to be rather high and reach up to 23C in many parts of the country.

First, next weekend, the temperatures are expected to drop slightly. On Saturday afternoon, they are expected to reach 32C and on Sunday afternoon, 30C.

Thunderstorms expected

Due to the current weather conditions, occasional thunderstorms are expected to take place in some areas, especially in the northeast and east of Austria.

Thunderstorms are predicted during Tuesday afternoon and Tuesday night. However, Wednesday and Thursday should be more stable.

READ ALSO: Austrian heatwave: Six tips to get a better night’s sleep

Friday is expected to be the sunniest day of the week. On Friday, most of the country will have sunny weather with just a few thin clouds. However, in the mountains, the clouds will build up more, and there might be some local thunderstorms in the afternoon due to the heat.

“Despite this, it will not bring significant relief from the heat. It might provide some ventilation, but temperatures will remain above 20C at night. The heat will continue to hold its grip this week”, says Nujic-Marth to MeinBezirk.

READ ALSO: Five Vienna tourist attractions to escape the summer heat

When heat becomes a health issue

Older people, children and those with long-term health conditions (such as heart problems) can be particularly susceptible to health issues related to hot and humid weather, such as heat exhaustion, dehydration and heatstroke because it can be harder for their bodies to stay cool.

Therefore, it’s a good idea to check in on relatives, friends, and neighbours when temperatures are spiralling.

Everyone is encouraged to stay away from the sun during the peak heat hours and keep hydrated. Close windows and shut down blinds on your apartment to prevent the worst of the heat from coming in, and use a fan for some air circulation.

READ NEXT: How to keep your apartment cool in Austria this summer

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WEATHER

The best articles to help you survive Austria’s ‘endless’ heatwave

Temperatures in Austria are expected to continue well above 30C as the country faces another heatwave this summer. Here are our tips on how to cool off, where to go and stay safe when it's so hot outside.

Published: 16 August 2024 11:26 CEST
The best articles to help you survive Austria's 'endless' heatwave

Austria is experiencing a prolonged heatwave, with temperatures soaring to record-breaking highs nationwide. The mercury has climbed well above 30C in many regions, prompting health warnings and calls for caution from authorities.

Health officials urge residents and visitors to take precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses. They recommend staying hydrated, avoiding strenuous activity during the hottest parts of the day, and seeking shade whenever possible.

People are also advised to check on vulnerable individuals, such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions, who are particularly susceptible to the effects of extreme heat.

Climate scientists have long predicted climate change would lead to more frequent and intense heatwaves, and Austria is experiencing this firsthand. 

Data from the Central Institute for Meteorology and Geodynamics (ZAMG) shows a clear trend of rising temperatures in recent decades, with the number of hot days and heatwaves increasing significantly.

Here’s a roundup of our tips for escaping the heat or otherwise dealing with it in the Austrian fashion:

Twin sisters jump of their boat to cool down in the waters of the Danube river at The Old Danube river arm during a hot summer day in Vienna, Austria, on July 18, 2023. (Photo by Joe Klamar / AFP)

With Austria reaching increasingly high temperatures, we have listed some places you can reach by train to cool down – they also happen to be beautiful tourist spots in Austria. We have written plenty of articles on escaping the heat; here you can find a few:

Most people still have to go to work even if it is extremely hot outside. However, they are still entitled to some basic rights to keep healthy and safe despite scorching temperatures.

We’ve also written specifically about “Hitzefrei,” when it’s simply too hot to work in Austria. 

In June, the government presented its “National Heat Protection Plan”.  The plan aims to raise awareness about the impact of extreme heat on individuals and systems while guiding state authorities and healthcare facilities to better prepare for and respond to heat events, according to a presentation by Health Minister Johannes Rauch (Greens).

We also wrote about other public policies related to combating extreme heat in Austria:

As Austria swelters in increasingly hot temperatures, it’s essential to watch for heat exhaustion and look after those, such as children and the elderly, who may be more susceptible to heat-related problems. We have several stories with expert advice on how to stay safe and keep temperatures as low as possible:

Lastly, after you’ve done what you can to find a cool place and chill out, here’s a quick guide to some simple and interesting Austrian phrases for talking (mostly complaining)  about the hot weather.

Eight ways to talk about the heat like a true Austrian

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