The Heat Health Warning System in Germany—Application and Warnings for 2005 to 2019

Intense heat episodes that have negative impact on human health can be forecasted based on an assessment of the atmospheric environment in terms of human thermal stress. The example of the German heat health warning system (HHWS) shows the feasibility of taking into account in a routine application not only air temperature but all relevant meteorological and important non-meteorological parameters influencing the thermal state of the human body. 

It is widely accepted that heat waves will occur more often, more intensely, and with increasing length in the future. With respect to these expectations, both the human-biometeorological component of the "heat health warning system" and the other components such as preparedness plans and interventions are in need of further continuous assessment, improvement, and adaptation.

Especially vulnerable groups are suffering from heat exposure. Until now, the German HHWS mainly focused on elderly residential care. There is a need to extend the system to other vulnerable groups such as babies and young children, isolated living persons, persons in need of care, and persons with overweight, chronic, aguish diseases, or dementia.