Category: Austrian News

Now that Statistics Austria has published the July inflation figures, the value of the pension increase has also been determined. The SPÖ-affiliated pensioners’ association believes this is too low.As announced on Tuesday, pensions will rise by 4.6 percent in the coming year. The government recently agreed to adopt the statutory adjustment factor for the annual pension adjustment. This applies up to a maximum pension of 6060 euros per month. Anyone with a higher income will only receive the adjustment factor up to this amount. The 4.6 percent is too little…

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Wasps seem particularly numerous this summer and are causing trouble at barbecues and relaxing hours in the garden. But what are the reasons for this? The exact answer to this question depends on various factors. Experts attribute the increased number of wasps to several causes, including: Favorable weather conditions: Last winter was mild, meaning many queen wasps survived and could start building their nests in the spring. In addition, the hot and dry summer offers optimal conditions for developing wasp colonies. Abundant food supply: An abundance of food, such as…

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The date is now fixed—when the climate bonus will be credited to your account. (Almost everyone in Austria will receive the climate bonus again this year.The climate bonus will be paid out at the same time as school starts (at least in Vienna, Lower Austria, and Burgenland). The climate bonus is now entering its third round. While it has been clear for some time that the payout will be higher this year than in previous years, the Climate Ministry has long kept the exact start date a secret. First, there…

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According to the temperatures measured so far, 2024 could be the hottest year in Austria’s history. This is according to the latest data from Geosphere Austria. Regarding the measured air temperature, the Austrian annual average for 2024—including the forecasts for August—is already 3.8 degrees above the 1961–1990 average. According to Geosphere Austria, only two above-average or four average cold autumn and winter months can change this value, so 2023 to 2018 (around 2.5 degrees above the 1961–1990 average) are not exceeded. Even a cold December, which was relatively warm in…

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Austria, known for its alpine landscapes, lush forests, and temperate climate, is facing an alarming shift in its weather patterns. Recent summers have brought severe heatwaves, with temperatures soaring to unprecedented levels. This disturbing trend is not just a random anomaly but a clear manifestation of the global climate crisis. The cause of these severe hot temperatures in Austria is multifaceted, rooted primarily in human-induced climate change, exacerbated by local and regional factors. The Role of Global Climate Change At the heart of Austria’s extreme heat is the broader context…

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The summer heat is here to stay on Friday. While temperatures will once again reach high levels, the risk of thunderstorms will increase from the afternoon onwards. Friday will begin with bright sunshine in large parts of Austria, although the northern edge of the Alps may see thicker clouds at the start of the day. After a sunny morning, clouds will quickly develop by midday, and the first showers and thunderstorm cells could develop. Thunderstorm risk in the mountainsThe central and northern mountain regions are particularly affected, where the thunderstorms…

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Heat can have serious effects on health. Vulnerable and heat-sensitive population groups, therefore, need special protection. The most important thing is to prepare for heatwaves and take preventative measures. Thus, the Vienna Regional Health Directorate has introduced a preventive heatwave warning service for the Viennese population. In cooperation with GeoSphere Austria, the warning service warns of impending heatwaves that could harm health. Unprotected exposure to the sun can lead to increased sweating and dehydration. Physical overheating and heat buildup can lead to heat stroke, collapse, confusion, and, in the worst…

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A new heatwave hits Austria on Tuesday. By the weekend, it will be well over 30 degrees across the country, with up to 37 degrees possible in the east. Meteorologist Michele Salmi contradicts forecasts that this could be the last heatwave in Austria this year. After a brief cool-down, it will most likely be hot again by the middle of next week. Tuesday (today) will bring temperatures of up to 35 degrees. There is no change in sight until the weekend. “As is so often the case, the focus of…

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The next heat wave of the summer is just around the corner. By the middle of the week, it should be “horrible.” Now everyone in Vienna is wondering what will happen next … Temperatures are already starting to rise today, and eastern Austria, in particular, is heading for another heatwave. This will last about a week, confirms Ariane Pfleger, meteorologist at Geosphere/ZAMG).However, according to Pfleger, the heat will still feel good up to and including Monday compared to what comes afterward: from Tuesday, it will be “horrible,” with oppressive sultriness…

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