1. set off early
Heat thunderstorms are commonplace in summer, especially in the mountains. As thunderstorms are very localised, they are difficult to predict - but they usually only occur in the afternoon. You should therefore plan your tour so that you are back before 4 pm or reach the next stage destination.
2. study the weather forecast
You should study the weather map at least the evening before if you want to go into the mountains. If bad weather is forecast, you should plan the tour close to the valley, take longer breaks or postpone the tour to a later date.
3. observe the weather
In the lowlands, thunderstorms can be recognised very early by the darkening clouds. This can be tricky in the mountains if the thunderstorm is brewing behind a mountain or a massif. Then you can only see the typical clouds (too) late. As soon as it starts to thunder, it is therefore advisable to seek safe shelter.
4. 30/30 rule during thunderstorms
If there is less than 30 seconds between lightning and thunder, you can be struck by lightning. The most dangerous times are at the beginning and end of the thunderstorm. You should stay in a safe place for at least 30 minutes after the last thunderclap.
5. seek refuge during thunderstorms
Buildings with lightning conductors or cars offer protection. If you cannot flee into a building, you are in a relatively safe area about two metres from a house or rock face. It extends about as far as the height of the wall. You are also relatively safe under bridges, as well as under high-voltage power lines with earthing cables. If there is nothing nearby to protect you, look for a hollow in the ground. Park your bike and all metal objects at least 50 metres away, switch off all electronic devices and crouch down in the hollow. Keep your legs close together and your arms close to your body. This posture protects you from lightning strikes within a radius of up to 200 metres.
6. avoid dangerous places during thunderstorms
Most lightning strikes occur on free-standing trees, masts, bodies of water, ditches, electricity pylons and telephone poles as well as on metal objects such as crash barriers, traffic signs or fencing. Keep away from them. Avoid ridges, ridges and hills. The lower the altitude, the safer it is. If you are travelling in a group, keep a minimum distance of three metres! Never stay at the edge of the forest, but walk about 50 to 100 metres into the forest. However, you should keep as far away as possible from individual trees during thunderstorms!
7. first aid in the event of a lightning strike
After making the emergency call, first attend to lifeless victims; the chances of resuscitation after circulatory arrest caused by lightning are relatively good at over 80 per cent. The German Red Cross recommends immediate chest compressions: 30 chest compressions six centimetres deep, alternating with two breaths. It is important to maintain a frequency of at least 100 to a maximum of 120 per minute. You should only stop once the person has regained consciousness or the emergency services have relieved you.
Further useful tips for the weather forecast
- The German Alpine Association offers an interactive map with local weather forecasts for the German low mountain ranges and the entire Alpine region on its website: alpenverein.de/DAV-Services/Mountainweather
- The app WarningWeather of the German Weather Service is available for Android and iOS.
- The current thunderstorm situation can also be viewed on the go via smartphone on the website blitzortung.org check - lightning strikes are displayed here in real time.
