Doctors warn

First we sweat, then we’re threatened by severe storms

There is an acute risk of severe weather in the north and west on Friday and in the south and east on Saturday.

(Bild: Christof Birbaumer/Kronen Zeitung)

Summer has us fully in its grip. Temperatures are gradually climbing up to 37 degrees this week, especially in the east. The unpleasant consequence: numerous tropical nights - and also severe storms with hail, torrential rain and gale-force winds. 

When something is considered "relatively certain" in meteorology, there is usually a threat of trouble. This is also the case this week, when the risk of severe weather increases considerably across the country towards the weekend. But let's take things in turn: after clouds kept the heat away from us for the most part yesterday, today the glorious summer weather is mostly unclouded throughout the country. 

One thing is already certain: our outdoor swimming pools are facing a rush this week.

(Bild: Christian Jauschowetz)

Keep an eye on the sky from Wednesday
According to Ubimet weather forecaster Michele Salmi, things will get exciting from a meteorological point of view towards the middle of the week. A cold front will sweep over us from the west, where thunderstorms, including heavy ones in Vorarlberg and Tyrol, can be expected as early as Wednesday morning. By the evening, these thunderstorms will spread throughout the north and mountains - hail and storms are to be expected. 

Only last week, entire villages in Lower Austria were hit by hail. This weekend, too, there is a threat of similar pictures.

(Bild: Molnar Attila)

Hail, gales and masses of water in the west
While the same game is likely to be repeated on Thursday, temperatures will rise permanently in the far east. They could climb up to 37 degrees in Vienna and the surrounding area on Friday. However, the accumulated heat will only be released on Friday in the west and north in "very heavy thunderstorms", according to Salmi. In the north of Tyrol, Salzburg and Upper Austria, there are warnings of hail, gale-force winds and torrential rain. 

Drinking plenty of fluids is the order of the day when temperatures of up to 37 degrees are expected.

(Bild: Jöchl Martin)

Tropical nights and risk of thunderstorms in the east
The situation calms down in those parts of the country on Saturday. The east, however, will be sweltering in the heat - from today's perspective, the east and south will also be the focus of violent thunderstorms. If it doesn't cool down noticeably at the weekend, it looks like the heatwave will last longer. In any case, the Viennese can already prepare themselves for seven to eight tropical nights in a row. 

Medical association advises special caution
This heat can cause health problems for many people, warns the Vienna Medical Association. Older women and men, babies and small children, pregnant women and people with pre-existing conditions are particularly affected. The Vienna Medical Association has therefore issued a warning and advised special caution.

"High temperatures can lead to symptoms such as muscle aches and headaches, nausea, tiredness and an increased heart rate. Older people in particular may also experience severe circulatory problems and confusion - in such cases, a doctor should be consulted as soon as possible," said Johannes Steinhart, President of the Austrian and Vienna Medical Chambers, in a statement on Monday.