Paragliding and Heat Waves: How to Fly Safely Despite the Extreme Heat

Summer is the season all paragliders look forward to. Long days, low-angle sunlight, generous thermals—the summer sky has everything to offer. But when the temperature rises above 35°C and the media starts talking about a heat wave, the rules of the game change drastically.

Overheated soil doesn't behave like temperate soil. The thermal bubbles that form are more powerful, more sudden, and less predictable. What was a pleasant outing in May can become physically and technically challenging in the middle of July.

Here are 7 practical tips for staying safe while flying this summer.

#1 Understanding Why Thermal Conditions Change During a Heat Wave

Extreme heat alters the behavior of the atmosphere. When the ground absorbs an exceptional amount of solar radiation, it releases this energy in the form of hot air bubbles that rise more violently and erratically than under normal conditions.

In mild summer weather, a thermal develops gradually, giving the pilot time to sense the lift and adjust his or her flight path. During a heat wave, these bubbles can form and burst in a matter of seconds, without any warning. The maneuvering window narrows, collapses are more abrupt, and recoveries are faster.

#2 Fly early—really early

During a heat wave, the safe flying window shrinks drastically. The ground begins to heat up as soon as the sun rises, but the atmosphere takes time to respond. This time lag creates a golden period very early in the morning, before the thermals get too strong.

In practice: Go paragliding before noon. It’s frustrating when you’ve taken time off work, but that’s the golden rule for summer. A half-day of safe flying is better than an afternoon flight that ends badly.

#3 Hydration: A Matter of Survival, Not Comfort

When you're flying, you don't necessarily feel thirsty. Physical exertion is minimal, air is circulating, and your focus on the flight masks your body's signals. However, at an altitude of 1,500 meters, the air is drier and dehydration sets in more quickly than on the ground.

A dehydrated driver makes poorer decisions. Reflexes slow down, alertness decreases, and risk perception becomes dulled. This isn't a matter of comfort—it's a matter of active safety.

💧At least 500ml before takeoff

Never take off without drinking something first, even if you're not thirsty.

🎒Awater bottle that's accessible from the harness

🚫 No alcohol the night before, no coffee right before

🚨 Dizziness = land immediately

#4 A Different Way to Read the Weather: 4 Indicators to Watch

During a heat wave, standard weather reports aren't enough. Checking the day's high temperature and wind speed is only part of the picture. Four specific indicators will give you a much more accurate picture of what to expect in the air.

#5 Protect yourself from the sun: UV rays at high altitudes are a whole different story

We often forget this: at an altitude of 1,500 or 2,000 meters, the atmosphere above you is different from what it is at sea level. UV radiation intensity increases by 10 to 25 percent for every 1,000 meters of elevation gain. A two-hour session in the mid-morning can result in sun exposure equivalent to a full day at the beach.

🧴SPF 50+ Sunscreen

🕶️ Sunglasses with UV protection

🧢 Headwear to wear under a helmet

👕 Clothing that covers up, even in the heat

#6 Recognizing the warning signs of heatstroke

Heatstroke is a medical emergency. While flying, symptoms may develop gradually and go unnoticed until they affect your ability to fly. Learn to recognize the signs—and respond immediately.

• Sudden, severe headaches
• Nausea or dizziness
• Severe, unexplained fatigue; feeling weak
• Confusion, difficulty thinking clearly
• Blurred vision or coordination problems
• Very hot, dry skin (no sweating)

These symptoms should not be ignored while in flight. The only correct course of action is to make an emergency landing, seek shade, stay hydrated, and, if the symptoms persist, contact emergency services.

#7 Mistakes You Should Never Make During a Heat Wave

Just as good habits can be learned, certain behaviors become particularly dangerous when temperatures soar. Here are five you should absolutely avoid.

✗ Flying in the middle of the afternoonThermals are at their strongest. The likelihood of thunderstorms is highest. There is no benefit to taking this risk.

✗ Ignoring heat fatigueHeat tires the body even without apparent exertion. A tired pilot is a pilot who makes poor decisions.

✗ Underestimating flight timeEvery hour of flying during a heat wave adds to your cumulative heat stress. Shorten your flying sessions, even if conditions seem good.

✗ Flying alone without telling anyoneAlways leave a flight plan with someone on the ground: takeoff location, planned landing location, and estimated return time.

✗ Pushing Through Despite DoubtsIf something seems too intense, too hot, or too unstable, it probably is. Hesitation is a warning sign, not a weakness.

#8 Adjust Your Equipment for Summer Conditions

Equipment must also be adapted. Certain adjustments and pieces of equipment are particularly important during periods of extreme heat.

🔍 Check the condition of your wing before every flight

⚖️ Choose the right sail size

🎒 Keep your gear as light as possible

🔋 Check your instruments

Summer is long—fly smart

A heat wave shouldn't keep you grounded. It should encourage you to rethink your flying habits: get up earlier, shorten your flights, keep a closer eye on more detailed weather indicators, and listen to your body with even greater care.

The best summer flights often take place at dawn, when the sky is still calm, the light is low, and everyone else is still asleep. These are the moments the heat wave offers you—if you’re willing to play by its rules.

And if the conditions really aren't right: put down your bag, have a drink, and come back tomorrow morning. The fresh dawn air will still be there.