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Heat wave in Berlin: Danger of ozone peaks and forest fires!
Berlin is expecting a heat wave with temperatures of up to 37 degrees. Cooling tips and warnings for citizens.
Heat wave in Berlin: Danger of ozone peaks and forest fires!
The heat wave impending in Berlin and Brandenburg is causing great concern. From Tuesday, temperatures of 33 to 37 degrees Celsius are expected, as rbb24 reports. These extreme values raise many safety and health questions, especially for vulnerable groups such as older people, pregnant women, children and people with chronic illnesses who can particularly suffer from the heat, according to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI). RKI.
Ozone levels will also rise, which can cause irritated mucous membranes, fatigue and headaches in sensitive people. In view of these health risks, it is advisable to postpone physical activities and sports to the cooler morning and evening hours. There are plenty of ways to cool off in Berlin, including churches and shady spots. In addition, the Technology Foundation Berlin's freshness map helps you find cool places, drinking fountains and green spaces in the city.
Dealing with the heat
There are over 240 drinking fountains in Berlin that can be used free of charge, while outdoor pools and lakes are expected to become more crowded. The water quality at most bathing areas can be classified as good. However, warnings about blue-green algae apply to three bathing areas in Berlin and two in Brandenburg. The outdoor pools in Berlin will remain open, with new ticket prices applying from the 2025 season.
The extreme heat warnings are also linked to the increasing risk of forest fires. Warning levels 2 and 3 apply in several districts in Brandenburg. An important indicator of this increase in heat is that the hottest day so far this year was July 2nd with temperatures of 38.8 degrees in Potsdam and 38.1 degrees in Berlin.
Measures in the workplace
At the labor law level, there is no general right to freedom from heat. However, employers are required to take precautions. If temperatures are above 30 degrees, drinks should be provided and clothing guidelines may be relaxed. Effective heat protection requires good cooperation between various ministries, authorities and institutions, which the RKI supports in its exchange with the Federal Ministry of Health, the Federal Center for Health Education and the Federal Environment Agency.
The annual heat action day on Wednesday is intended to draw attention to the risks of heat. Berlin and Brandenburg currently lack specific heat action plans, while such a plan is in the works for Berlin until 2024 and for Brandenburg until 2027 in order to better protect the population.
In summary, it can be said that the coming days will be a challenge for many Berliners. Effective and preventive heat protection is essential to minimize health risks. Further information about measures and support is available on the website Heat.info to find.