What to Do About the Summer Heat in Bielefeld?

It's not just in Bielefeld on the Lutter that midsummer arrives. Many people look forward to it, while others struggle with the summer. There are a few simple things you can do to protect yourself, whether you love the season or not – not just in Bielefeld in North Rhine-Westphalia, with its roughly 330,000 residents.

You might already know some of these measures, but others may still be unfamiliar and can be very helpful. Knowing the risks of high temperatures in Bielefeld and knowing the solutions are two different things.

Summertime - Our 12 Tips

1. Drink plenty

This is really just common sense: when you're out and about, it's very important to drink plenty during the summer, mainly water. Drinking enough is essential, as it replenishes the water and minerals your body loses through sweating.

The effects of not doing so can include cramps or heat exhaustion. Unsweetened fruit juices and herbal teas can help stabilise your fluid balance, but water is still the best choice in summer. Sugary drinks like lemonade can make the feeling of dehydration worse, which is why they're not recommended in summer.

2. Avoid the midday sun

The sun is strongest around midday, which is why you should avoid it between 12pm and 3pm. It's best to stay in the shade during this time or wear a hat.

Plan your day accordingly, and go for walks in the morning or evening rather than at midday when it's too hot. It's best to postpone strenuous physical activity until the temperatures have cooled down a bit.

3. Clothing

Wear light, pale-coloured, loose-fitting clothes that cover as much of your body as possible. This keeps you cool while protecting you from harmful UV rays.

Natural fabrics such as cotton, silk or linen work best. These natural materials absorb sweat well and are breathable.

Avoid synthetic fibres like polyester, as these don't absorb sweat and can make you feel even warmer. The more often you change your clothes, the better it is for you when it comes to sweat. The heat can arrive faster than expected – so get prepared in good time!

4. Air out your home

Open the doors and windows, but only when it's cooler outside than inside. Make sure you don't let any insects in.

You can cool your rooms with damp towels hung in front of the windows or with a fan. It gets especially warm in attic flats or in flats facing south.

5. Switch off electronic devices

Even in standby mode, PCs, TVs and other electrical devices continuously generate heat. Always unplug electronic devices completely when they're not in use.

You should charge your devices at night instead.

6. Dry your washing outdoors ...

... if you have a garden or a decent-sized balcony. Damp washing indoors creates high humidity, which the body perceives as warmer than dry air. Washing also dries faster outdoors in warm temperatures anyway.

7. Don't eat too much

Eating a lot makes you feel sluggish and can make you sweat even more. It's smarter to eat several small meals spread throughout the day. Fatty foods take longer to digest, which can leave you feeling uncomfortable. Luckily, we tend to prefer lighter meals in summer anyway – there are always exceptions, of course.

8. Never forget sun protection

UV rays increase your risk of skin cancer and cause irreparable damage to your skin. Premature skin ageing – pigmentation spots and wrinkles – are also a result of UV exposure. Don't forget – your skin never does!

You should apply sunscreen with a high SPF whenever you go outside, even on days that aren't sunny. It's best to reapply sun protection every two hours, especially if you're at an outdoor pool.

9. Take a break in air-conditioned rooms

To cool down on really hot days, it's smart to take a break in a cooler room from time to time. This could be your own home, provided it has air conditioning or a basement, or somewhere like the library or the supermarket.

10. Be careful with alcohol

Alcoholic drinks have a dehydrating effect and should therefore be avoided. If you do drink alcohol, remember to order a glass of water with every alcoholic drink.

You should also bear in mind that alcohol generally makes you more careless: everyone has lost track of time at some point.

11. Think of others

You shouldn't only think of yourself, as others matter too.

Hot weather is particularly dangerous for older people, those with chronic illnesses, or small children. In everyday life, watch out for vomiting, dizziness, headaches or nausea, as these are signs of heat exhaustion.

If these signs appear, help as best you can!

12. Cars in summer

Never leave your children or pets alone in parked cars: temperatures inside cars parked in the shade can rise quickly even on mild days!

Year after year, this issue is still dramatically downplayed and underestimated, and sometimes simply forgotten. On hot days, the temperature inside a closed vehicle can reach life-threatening levels within minutes – for both animals and people!

Even more tips for the Ostwestfalen-Lippe region

If you want to enjoy the summer and get through it well, read and follow this advice. A few more tips follow here:

• Invest in a few portable fans or misters – this expense is worthwhile, as you can reuse the devices next summer.

• Make sure your home is well ventilated and that any unnecessary sources of heat are eliminated.

• When it's hot, it's smart to prepare meals in advance, saving you the extra heat from the stove.

• Keep blinds or curtains closed during the day to keep the heat out.

• To sleep better, it's best to take a cold bath or have a cold shower beforehand.

• Apart from going swimming, you shouldn't do any sport in summer.

At the Sports pool and sauna AquaWede in Bielefeld, you should get through the heat very well – especially if you follow these tips.

Eating ice cream is always a wonderful idea, and it's even better if you can sit comfortably outdoors under a parasol.

Have fun and stay cool!