Wearing long sleeves, drinking 2-3 liters of water, and other recommendations... A strong heatwave hits Denmark starting today, Thursday, with health warnings issued as record temperatures continue in Europe.
According to TV2, the TV2 weather service and TV2 Vejr have issued a warning of a strong heat wave that will affect most of Denmark from Friday afternoon until Sunday evening, coinciding with the continuation of the record-breaking heat wave that is hitting several European countries and recording unprecedented temperatures.
Heatwave warning issued for most of Denmark
The TV2 weather department explained that most of the country falls within the orange zone, which means a strong heat wave is expected, a condition in which the average maximum temperature reaches 30 degrees Celsius or more for three consecutive days.
The department noted that heat waves can lead to dehydration and heatstroke, especially among the elderly and those most vulnerable to health complications.
Thursday is hot… and the peak begins on Friday.
The TV2 weather service reported that Thursday will see sunny weather and temperatures ranging between 25 and 29 degrees Celsius across most of the country, with the possibility of reaching 30 degrees locally, while the weather will remain milder in western Jylland.
He also predicted that the UV index would reach 6.4, which is among the highest levels in Denmark, so he recommended using a sunscreen with a protection factor of at least 30.
The channel quoted the Danish Cancer Society (Kræftens Bekæmpelse) calling for people to stay in the shade between 12 noon and 3 pm, and to wear a wide-brimmed hat and a long-sleeved shirt to reduce direct exposure to sunlight.
Doctor: Drink water before you feel thirsty
TV2 Øst reported that the emergency department at Holbæk Sygehus hospital has started receiving an increasing number of elderly people suffering from dehydration.
Chief Medical Officer Tine Grolin Kristensen said the numbers were still within normal summer ranges, but stressed the importance of drinking water regularly and not waiting until one feels thirsty.
She added that an adult usually needs between two and three liters of fluids per day, with the amount increasing when engaging in physical activity or in hot weather, stressing: “If you feel very thirsty, this means that you have already delayed in replacing fluids.”
Tips for protecting the most vulnerable groups
The Danish Health Authority (Sundhedsstyrelsen) recommended wearing loose clothing, staying in the shade, drinking plenty of water, and reducing alcohol consumption. The Danish Senior Citizens' Welfare Association (Ældre Sagen) also called for monitoring the elderly and neighbors and reminding them to drink fluids regularly, given their high risk of dehydration.
Danish regions not covered by forecasts and warnings
He added that the Thy, Vendsyssel and Bornholm regions fall within the yellow zone, where temperatures of at least 28 degrees Celsius are expected to be recorded for three consecutive days, while the heat wave will not include the South Fyń archipelago (Sydfynske Øhav) and the islands of Læsø and Anholt.
Europe continues to record record temperatures
TV2's weather department also noted that the most intense heat waves are concentrated in southern Denmark, with temperatures in large parts of Europe ranging between 30 and 35 degrees Celsius, while in France they are expected to reach 40 degrees, and in parts of Germany, Belgium and northeastern Spain between 35 and 38 degrees.
In France, the meteorological service announced that the heatwave would continue until the end of the week, with temperatures expected to reach 42 degrees Celsius, after Paris recorded a new record high of 40.9 degrees. Le Monde reported that authorities raised the alert level to red, opened air-conditioned spaces, kept parks open at night, and extended swimming pool hours. Power outages affected approximately 38,000 homes in several regions due to the heatwave.
In the United Kingdom, the BBC reported a temperature of 36.1 degrees Celsius in Hampshire, the highest temperature ever recorded in June, surpassing the previous record set in 1976.
