Legend

Published warnings for the parameters wind, rain and snow are based on statistical recurrence intervals of each meteorological incident. Colors of the published warning colors are based on frequency of the event being warned against, corresponding to long-term averages in each respective region. A general rule applies that the more seldom an event occurs, the more drastic are the effects and the more critical the weather scenario.

As regards warning parameters thunderstorm, black ice, heat stress and cold stress warning colors indicate the intensity of the incident and consequently, potential damages which may be caused by the incident.

In assigning judgments indicated by various warning colors, not only statistical recurrence intervals are taken into consideration, also factors which amplify the effects - and thereby also amplify potential damage - of the anticipated weather scenario, or which diminish it, are included in the considerations. Thus, storm-strength wind in deciduous trees can cause greater damage than in coniferous trees; or a heavy cloudburst can cause far greater impact following a period of heavy rainfall than following a dry spell.

The weather warnings published by ZAMG apply to permanently settled residential zones. Regions beyond such permanent settlements, for example the high alpine regions of Austria, are not covered by the warnings.

To depict a given warning scenario, the following warning colors are used:

Wind warnings published by ZAMG refer to the maximum wind speeds measured in km/hr which are anticipated in the indicated time window.

Rain warnings published by ZAMG refer to the anticipated amounts of wide-area rainfall measured in mm inside the indicated time window. Heavy rainfall in the course of thunderstorms is generally covered by thunderstorm warnings.

Snow warnings published by ZAMG refer to the anticipated wide-area amounts of fresh fallen snow measured in cm inside the indicated time window.

Black ice warnings published by ZAMG refer exclusively to slippery-smooth, icy surfaces caused by freezing rain or drizzle. Glazed surfaces from watery spaces freezing over are covered only in exceptional cases.

Thunderstorm warnings published by ZAMG refer to strokes of lightning as well as to ancillary factors such as storm winds, heavy rainfall and hailstorms. An additional warning for storm follows just in case of extremely strong storm gusts.

An extended period of midsummery temperatures combined with high humidity leads to heightened heat stress in the human organism. In a heat wave, the body perspires more. The perspiration evaporates on the surface of the skin, which cools the skin and helps to maintain a constant body temperature in spite of external heat. In extreme circumstances such as hot and humid weather, the body’s cooling system can become overloaded, resulting in endangered health. Unsuitable clothing, failure to drink enough as well as intensity and duration of physically taxing activities reinforce body stress still further. Elderly, chronically ill people and children are affected particularly.

Unusually low temperatures put the human organism under extraordinary stress. Blood vessels constrict, heart frequency accelerates, blood pressure increases. Low temperatures combined with wind reinforces cold stress still further, the danger of frostbite swiftly rises.