disaster management

Highest warning level (red): Temperatures of up to 40 degrees and above possible in eastern Austria this weekend

GeoSphere Austria has issued a ‘red’ heat warning for Saturday, Sunday and Monday across the whole of north-eastern Austria, as well as for the central region of Upper Austria, parts of the Waldviertel and Mostviertel regions, and the cities of Villach, Klagenfurt and Graz. On Monday, the heatwave is expected to ease slightly – with the exception of the north-east, where it will remain extremely hot.

The heatwave in Austria is heading towards its peak so far. According to GeoSphere Austria’s forecasting department, the all-time record set in 2013 (40.5 degrees in Bad Deutsch-Altenburg) could be broken on Sunday. A red heat warning has been issued for Saturday, Sunday and Monday for the following regions: Vienna, Weinviertel, Tullnerfeld, the districts of Krems-Land, St. Pölten, Horn, Hollabrunn, Bruck an der Leitha, Mödling, Baden and Wiener Neustadt (all in Lower Austria) and for Northern Burgenland. In the central region of Upper Austria, the districts of Linz, Linz-Land, Steyr, Wels and Perg have been placed on ‘red’ alert for Saturday and Sunday. In the south of Austria, the cities of Graz, Villach and Klagenfurt are on ‘red’ alert for Sunday only.

One of the key factors behind the red heat warning is the fact that – particularly in towns and cities – temperatures are barely dropping at night. Forecast minimum temperatures of 24 to 27 degrees illustrate this. As of Wednesday, the red heat warning is set to be downgraded to ‘orange’ on Monday for all parts of the country except the north-east.

“Prolonged exposure to heat over several days”

“The Eastern Alps region is under the influence of a powerful high-pressure system, and subtropical air masses are determining the weather,” explains Andreas Schaffhauser, Scientific Director-General of GeoSphere Austria, regarding the decision. “Due to the heatwave that has persisted since last Friday and a further predicted rise in temperatures, a red temperature warning will be issued from Saturday, primarily for north-eastern Austria, and then from Sunday for the major urban centres as well. The lack of a night-time cool-down and the forecast that the highest daily maximum temperatures ever recorded will be exceeded are key factors in the decision to issue a red warning.”

Advice for the public during a red alert

GeoSphere Austria advises residents in regions under a red heat warning to take the following precautions:

  • Avoid direct sunlight and protect children from the sun. Avoid built-up and paved areas where there is no shade.
  • Do not go outside during the hottest part of the day (approx. 12 noon to 4 pm).
  • Close curtains and blinds, and open windows mainly at night or during the cool morning hours.
  • Avoid strenuous activity and schedule outdoor physical activities for the early morning or evening.
  • Wear light, airy clothing and a hat. Take a cool shower or cold arm and foot baths.
  • Drink plenty of fluids regularly (at least 2 to 3 litres), preferably water, unsweetened tea or fruit juices diluted with water. Take particular care to ensure that older people and children drink regularly.
  • Eat light meals and avoid alcohol at all costs.

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)