Heat wave strikes: Austrians experience extremely hot summer days!

Heat wave strikes: Austrians experience extremely hot summer days!

On June 24, 2025, Austria recorded its hottest June so far, with temperature values ​​that go beyond the national borders. On June 23, an outstanding temperature of 36.8 degrees was measured in St. Andrä in the Lavant Valley, Carinthia, which breaks the usual standards. Meteorologist Martin Templin from Ubimet expresses that this measurement could possibly be a mistake, since 15 heat days have already been registered this year. In Rechnitz, Burgenland, the thermometer rose to 35.3 degrees on Monday, very close to the maximum of the last summer.

The upcoming heat wave is expected to bring temperatures of over 30 degrees up to the coming week. Wednesday and Thursday in particular could meet the definition of “desert days” with values ​​over 35 degrees. On Friday, on the other hand, cooler temperatures between 25 and 30 degrees are in prospect, accompanied by possible thunderstorms in the first half of the day. Already the following weekend it could be brooding again with up to 35 degrees.

extreme warmth and their causes

In 2024, Austria achieved a record of 52 heat days in Vienna and 48 in Eisenstadt, which marks the warmest year of the past 250 years. In the long -term average from 1961 to 1990, only ten heat days per year were measured. Templin points out that the nine hot days in June are exceptionally high for Vienna. This heat wave is currently caused by an Azores high that brings high temperatures over most of Europe.

What does that mean for the future? According to the second Austrian status report on climate change, which was created by more than 200 scientists, the temperatures in Austria have increased by around 3.1 ° C since 1900 - more than twice as much as the global average. This temperature rise goes hand in hand with an increase in extreme weather events such as heat and drought.

effects and steps of action

The negative consequences for health, infrastructure and agriculture should counteract measures. The Austrian environmental and climate minister Norbert Tettschnig emphasizes the need to act vigorously. He has announced the urgency of a new climate law to develop a comprehensive strategy to combat climate change. Scientists recommend expanding public transport, promoting the renovation of buildings and protecting wetlands in order to counteract climatic change.

In the middle of this heated debate, international trends also become clear. The Azores, for example, show a milder climate: for travelers, the time from June to September is the best time to travel, with stable weather conditions and pleasant temperatures between 19 and 25 degrees. The mild climate and beauty of nature make the Azores a perfect goal, especially for hikers and nature lovers. When the forests are wrapped in fog, the coast is usually sunny and clear what makes island shopping attractive.

In view of the temperature records, climate change and the need to deal with these realities, the challenge for Austria and the whole world is clear: we have to act before the heat puts everything in the shade.

The sources of this information include the Kurier , The Reise Klima bmluk .