Press releases

The German Weather Service (DWD) has issued a Level 1 heat stress warning for Aachen and the surrounding region for the period from Tuesday, June 23, through Friday, June 26. According to the DWD, severe heat stress (Level 1) is also possible for Saturday, June 27.

Severe or extreme heat stress—also known simply as “heat”—poses a serious health risk to everyone. That is why knowing how to respond properly during a heat wave is crucial. The Federal Environment Agency’s “Heat Guide” (www.umweltbundesamt.de/publikationen/hitzeknigge) and on the City of Aachen’s website at www.aachen.de/hitze, you can find a wealth of information on the health effects of heat, as well as useful tips and a map of “cool places.”

A few specific rules of conduct can help you get through the hot days better:

• Pay particular attention to older people and children, who are particularly affected by the heat. They need special attention.
• Drink plenty of fluids on hot days—at least two liters. Beverages rich in minerals, such as water or tea, are particularly good choices. It’s best to avoid caffeine, sugary drinks, and alcohol, as they dehydrate the body. Very cold drinks can upset the stomach and, as a result, affect circulation.
• Eat a light diet, plenty of vegetables, salad and fruit rich in water. Avoid foods that are difficult to digest.
• Sport on hot days is better done in the early morning or later afternoon and evening hours. Avoid heavy physical exertion during the midday heat.
• Make sure you have adequate protection against ultraviolet radiation. The best sun protection comes from appropriate clothing, a sun hat, and sunglasses. Skin that is not covered by clothing must be thoroughly coated with sunscreen. Protect yourself and others.
• Protect rooms from direct sunlight at an early stage. It is best to darken them with sun protection from outside to prevent them from heating up.
• Ventilate at night and in the early hours of the morning. Keep the windows closed when the temperature rises.
• Do not leave children and animals in the parked car, as it can heat up considerably.

All the information and tips are summarized again at www.aachen.de/hitze or on the website of the public health department www.staedteregion-aachen.de/hitze. Further helpful links can also be found there.

Free Drinking Water in Aachen
: During hot weather, it’s especially important to drink enough water, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Four city administration buildings in Aachen, one building operated by StädteRegion, and the city library offer free drinking water during their opening hours. Just bring a container and fill it up.

• City Library, Couvenstraße 15, 1st floor

Tue, Wed and Fri, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Thu 12 p.m. - 7 p.m., Sat 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

• Administration building Bahnhofplatz, Hackländerstraße 1

Mon, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., Tue & Thu, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m., Wed, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., Fri, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

• Katschhof administration building, Johannes-Paul-II.-Straße 1

Mon - Thu, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Fri, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

• Administration building Am Marschiertor, Lagerhausstraße 20

Mon - Thu, 6 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Fri 6 a.m. - 4 p.m.

• Administration building Mozartstraße 2-10

Mon - Thu, 6 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Fri 6 a.m. - 4 p.m.

• Haus der StädteRegion, Zollernstraße 10

Mon, Tue and Thu, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Wed, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Fri 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

The city of Aachen provides four networked drinking water fountains in public areas around the clock:

• at the entrance to the Elisengarten in Ursulinerstraße
• on the Münsterplatz (the so-called Möschebrunnen)
• in Alexanderstraße at the Hotmannspiefbrunnen fountain
• in Heinrich-Hollands-Straße in Aachen-Nord

Explanations of DWDE
Warnings: A warning for “severe heat stress” is issued when the heat index exceeds a certain value in the early afternoon. This value is approximately 32 degrees Celsius, but may be slightly lower or higher depending on the situation. In addition, this first warning level also takes into account reduced nighttime cooling.

If it stays too warm at night (more than 20 degrees Celsius = a tropical night), sleep quality deteriorates. This additional strain makes it harder to tolerate the heat during the day.

If the perceived temperature exceeds 38 degrees Celcius in the early afternoon, there is a warning of "extreme heat stress" (2nd warning level).

You can subscribe to the "Heat Warnings" newsletter for your federal state or place of residence at www.hitzewarnungen.de.