Adventure Herald

Temperature Records in Europe – Tips for Surviving The Heatwave

Central and Eastern Europe as well as parts of the Balkans are boiling under a continuous heatwave. A/Cs break due to overload, fans run on their maximum and probably the worst thing: there is a serious supply shortage of Callipo and other water ice brands. It’s not only summer. It is one of the hottest summers Europe has ever experienced.

Just a month ago, another heatwave hit UK, France, Germany, smashing some all-time temperature records. Nineteen cities in the Czech Republic can boast with new heat records. Kitzingen in Germany recently scored unbelievable 40.3 °C, even topping Poland’s new all-time record of 38.9 °C from last Saturday.  

But not only Europeans are getting roasted like chickens in the oven. Last week Bandar Mahshahr in Iran hit the second highest heat index ever with 74 °C. In India, a heat wave in June caused about 2500 deaths.

Don’t despair, relief is in sight! However, we’ve still got to get over the weekend, before East and Central Europe can relax with more pleasant temperatures.

Europe still remembers the heatwave of 2003, which took a death toll of 30 000 to 70 000 within just a few weeks. Heatwaves can be deadlier than any other natural disaster, since the effects are sneaking in slowly. But unlike for many other natural disasters, we can prepare very well for a heat wave. Heat strokes, dehydration, drowning as well as smog as poor air conditions are the main factors for fatalities and most of them can be prevented.

 

Photo Header: Guian Bolisay

 

What Are The Risks of A Heat Wave?

 

Especially the elderly, children and extremely overweight people are at risk. But if you are into outdoor activities like hiking, you should pay close attention to the signals of your body, too.

Look out for these warning signs, not only for yourself, but also for others:

 

Heat Cramps

They often occur in the legs, but also in the arms or in the stomach. These cramps are a sign of dehydration and as such relatively easily treated. You should immediately take a rest, drink lots of water, or even better a sports drink, since you also have to replace salts and minerals, not only liquid.

 

Heat Exhaustion

Your body is not able to produce sweat anymore, so it diverts the blood from your inner organs, in a desperate effort to cool its surface. The symptoms are dizziness, paleness, nausea and high temperature. Go immediately into the shade, rest and drink lots of water. Try to cool your body, if possible take a cold bath or at least remove all unnecessary clothing. Monitor the symptoms closely, and if they don’t disappear within 15min, you should call professional help. Heat exhaustion can develop into a heat stroke, so it should not be taken easily.

 

Heat Stroke

This is a serious condition that requires emergency medical aid immediately! Those affected are hot and flushed, but they don’t sweat. Unconsciousness, delirium, high body temperature above 40° C, headache, vertigo, thirst, confusion and dry skin are symptoms. Cool affected people immediately and call professional help!

 

What to Do to Avoid Negative Effects of The Heat on The Body?

 

To avoid any heat related diseases, you should generally refrain from sports and physically demanding activities. And while getting out of the city is a good idea, since the concrete is functioning as a heat storage and even worsens the temperature effect, extreme hiking or other outdoor activities – except from cooling down in a lake – are not recommended. But if we absolutely can’t convince you, to postpone your hiking adventure across Eastern Europe and the Balkans, here are some tips for surviving the heatwave:

 

 

 

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