Health consequences
Would you like to find out more about the health effects heat can have on the body? The following questions and answers will tell you how heat affects the body, what the risks are, how to recognize heat-related symptoms and who is particularly at risk.
Our bodies are constantly trying to keep the body temperature constant at 37°C in order to be able to carry out vital processes optimally. Our body therefore reacts to heat with various cooling mechanisms: the blood vessels dilate, allowing more heat to be released through the skin. Sweating provides additional cooling.
However, a widening of the blood vessels leads to a drop in blood pressure and the cardiovascular system has to work harder. In addition, muscles and internal organs are less well supplied with blood and the nutrients and oxygen it contains. This can have a stressful effect on the body.
If the body is no longer able to cool itself sufficiently, the body can "overheat". Excessive heat can pose a particularly high risk for people at risk of heat exhaustion and people with pre-existing medical conditions.
Overheating, loss of water and electrolytes put a strain not only on the cardiovascular system but also on the brain, lungs and kidneys. Existing heart, lung or kidney diseases can worsen. Studies have also shown an increased premature birth rate and an increase in complications. Furthermore, high temperatures can not only exacerbate existing illnesses, but also heat-related illnesses trigger heat-related illnesses. These include
- Heat cramp
- heat exhaustion
- heat exhaustion
- heat stroke
- sunstroke
Heat can ultimately become life-threatening and lead to death. The mortality rate regularly rises during periods of heat. The increased mortality rate mainly affects older people.
Feelings of exhaustion
- Drowsiness, dizziness
- restlessness
- Red or pale skin
- Severe thirst
- Headache
- Stiff neck
- Nausea, vomiting
- Shortness of breath
- Cramps
- Elevated temperature, fever
- Excessive or no sweat
If you notice one or more of these symptoms, you should contact your family doctor. Outside office hours, you can contact the following number: 116117.
Do not hesitate to call the emergency services on 112 if the following symptoms occur:
- Severe confusion or loss of consciousness
- Unconsciousness
- High pulse and very low blood pressure
What else can I do to help?
- Get yourself or the affected person out of the heat and into a cool place quickly
- Loosen or remove clothing
- Apply cool compresses with damp cloths to the head, neck, hands or feet
- If there is no vomiting or loss of consciousness (yet):
Drink or offer the affected person water or juice spritzer (1 part juice and 3 parts water)
Under the "Materials" tab, you will find various information on heat tips in the form of leaflets, flyers, posters or helpful websites - in general for everyone or for very specific target groups.
Here are the most important tips at a glance:
- Avoid the midday sun (11 am - 4 pm)
- Apply sun cream before going outside
- Use the morning and evening hours for activities such as shopping or sports
- Drink enough (water, unsweetened tea)
- Eat as light a meal as possible
- Switch off unnecessary devices (no stand-by mode)
- Keep windows closed and darkened during the day
- Only ventilate at night or in the early morning
- Store medication in a dry place and avoid direct sunlight
- Check medication schedule with the doctor for heat tolerance
- Moist cloths, spray bottles and cool showers or foot baths can help cool you down
FAQ - Things to know about heat
At what temperatures do we actually speak of a tropical night? When is a heatwave actually declared? How hot is it in the Ludwigsburg district? These and other questions are answered here.
In 2023, around 3,200 heat-related deaths were estimated across Germany by calendar week 38.
For comparison: in the record-breaking summers of 1994 and 2003, the figures were around 10,000 heat-related deaths and around 8,300 in 2018, according to the RKI.
Statistically speaking, high temperatures in the summer months lead to higher death rates. This mainly affects older people.
You can find more information and weekly statistics on heat-related deaths at
Heat warnings are generally issued by the German Weather Service (DWD). The warnings are issued for the individual districts and/or the federal states. Heat warnings can be issued for either the current day and/or the following day. The DWD distinguishes between two heat warning levels:
Heat warning level 1: The perceived temperature is above 32°C in the early afternoon.
Heat warning level 2: The perceived temperature in the early afternoon is over 38°C.
In addition to the DWD, the district of Ludwigsburg has developed separate district-specific alert chains (see heat action plan). In contrast to the DWD warnings, these are only set in motion if a prolonged heat phase is imminent. These long periods of heat are particularly harmful to the health of vulnerable target groups. For this reason, institutions such as clinics, doctors' surgeries, nursing homes, outpatient care services, schools and daycare centers are connected to the Ludwigsburg district's alarm chains. This allows these target groups to be warned and prepared for a prolonged heatwave. The alerts issued by the district are based on the following criteria:
Heat warning level 1: At least three consecutive days with a temperature of/above 32°C
and/orat least 2 tropical nights without the temperature dropping below 20°C
Heat warning level 2: At least three consecutive days with a temperature of or above 38°C
If you use theWarnWetter app or subscribe to the DWD newsletter, you will be kept up to date with the latest heat warnings. The newsletter and the light version of the warning app are also free of charge.
Institutions that look after groups of people at risk of heat and are connected to the heat alert system of the Ludwigsburg district will be informed by email about a prolonged heatwave.
Climate change and its effects have long been measurable - even in our region. Since weather records began in 1881, the average annual temperature in Baden-Württemberg has risen by 1.6 degrees. The number of summer days in the Ludwigsburg district has almost doubled. From 2011 to 2022, an average of 65 summer days per year were recorded. The number of hot days almost tripled between 1971 and 2022. While 6.5 hot days were recorded in the district between 1971 and 1981, this figure rose to around 18.1 days between 2011 and 2022.
According to calculations, the average temperatures in Baden-Württemberg will rise by a further 0.8 to 1.8°C by 2050. Above all, summer days (over 25°C) and hot days (over 30°C) will increase nationwide and statewide.
The district's heat action plan aims to prepare citizens, local authorities and institutions for extreme heat events. There is a particular focus on protecting vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, the chronically ill and pregnant women.
The heat action plan contains various measures such as a district-wide alarm chain that is triggered in the event of extreme heat, this heat protection website with various information and materials as well as an interactive cool map on which publicly accessible cool places can be found. The district's heat action plan also contains heat protection action plans for various facilities (such as clinics, doctors' surgeries, care facilities, schools, daycare centers) or municipalities. The heat action plan can be downloaded from this website.
Funding opportunities for institutions and municipalities
Would you like to implement heat adaptation measures in your facility or municipality, but are faced with the financial challenge? Here you will find current funding programs that can support you. Alternatively, you can also use the search function to find the right offer for you via the funding databases provided.
Eligible applicants: Companies, municipalities, public institutions, associations/unions
Funding area: Adaptation to climate change (both the preparation and planning as well as the implementation of adaptation measures)
Current funding window: Funding period expired at the end of 2024 - new edition in progress
Further information: "KLIMOPASS"
Center for Climate Adaptation (ZKA)
- Database on funding opportunities for climate adaptation
- Funding advice (by phone, email)
Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection
- Federal funding database
