Heat days above 30 °C, abundant sunshine, low rainfall, and heightened forest‐fire risk: Austria is experiencing its first heatwave of the year with an unusually hot June. “It has been above average. Already before month’s end we’ve recorded more 30 °C days than in a typical June,” said climatologist Alexander Orlik of Geosphere Austria on Wednesday.
More Heat Days & Forest-Fire Danger
A dry winter and the current heatwave are driving up forest-fire risk, says Mortimer Müller of the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (Boku). Fire danger is now “elevated to moderate,” highest in southern Carinthia and parts of Styria. Lightning‐induced fires—Austria’s most common summer cause—can occur nationwide. If Thursday’s rain fails and the heat persists, “we could see high fire danger next week for the first time this year,” Müller warned. Groundwater levels are “low to very low” at 149 of 226 measuring sites.
First 35 °C+ Day
Earlier this week Austria topped 35 °C for the first time. On Monday, 175 of 290 Geosphere stations logged at least 30 °C (“heat days”), twice the June average in Vienna and Innsbruck—cities with eleven and eight heat days so far, respectively. Tropical nights remain rare (three in Vienna versus an average of four). Scientists attribute these extremes to human-driven climate change.
“Heat-Aid” for Vulnerable People
The heat poses grave risks for the poor and homeless, who lack relief options. “Extreme heat strains the body and can be deadly for the elderly and chronically ill,” said Lis Pichler of homeless shelter Die Gruft. Caritas has launched a “heat-aid package” including 23 “climate oases,” medical buses, street outreach, and distribution of water, sunscreen, mats, and summer sleeping bags. Caritas’s climate oases—parish courtyards offering free cooling stations—saw over 9,000 visits last year.
Health Warnings & Travel Tips
With school holidays and holiday travel starting soon, the Samaritan Federation warns against heat during long car journeys—travel at dawn or dusk when roads and asphalt are cooler. Light clothing, rest, and hydration (e.g. fruit) help. “Never underestimate the dangers of heat,” urged federal chief physician Dr. Gruska. Call emergency services if you experience dizziness, nausea, headache, cramps, or confusion.
