How to Beat the Summer Heat in Bremen

High summer is on its way, and not just in Bremen on the Weser. Many people look forward to summer, while others struggle with it. There are a few simple measures to protect yourself, whether or not you like the summer – and not only in Bremen, with its nearly 570 thousand inhabitants.

Some of these steps may be familiar and others new and helpful. Knowing about the dangers of high temperatures in Bremen and knowing the solutions are two different things.

Summertime – Our 12 Tips

1. Drink Plenty of Fluids

Drinking plenty should be a matter of course: in the summer heat, and especially in the sun, you should drink a lot of water. Drinking a lot is important because it replaces the minerals and fluids your body loses while sweating.

Heat exhaustion or cramps are the consequences. Herbal teas and unsweetened fruit juices can maintain your fluid balance, but water is still best in summer. Lemonades and other sugary drinks can make the feeling of dehydration worse, so they are not advisable in summer.

2. Avoid the Midday Sun

You should definitely avoid the sun between 12 noon and 3pm, because this is when it is at its strongest. During this time, stay in the shade or wear a cap.

It is very important to plan your day well, so go for a walk in the evening or morning rather than during the warm midday hours. You can certainly put off physically demanding activities until a cooler time.

3. Suitable Clothing

Your clothes should cover as much of your body as possible and be light-coloured, loose and lightweight. That way you are protected and kept cool at the same time.

Suitable clothing can protect you from the sun

Natural fabrics such as silk, cotton or linen are best. They absorb sweat well and are breathable.

Avoid synthetic fabrics such as polyester, as these materials do not absorb sweat, so you feel even hotter. Because of the sweating, you should also change your clothes more often. The heat arrives faster than you think, so prepare early!

4. Air Your Flat or House

Open windows and doors when it is cooler outside than inside. Just make sure no little creatures come in with the air.

You can cool your home with wet towels in front of the windows or with a fan. It gets particularly hot in top-floor flats or in flats that face south.

5. Switch Off Electrical Devices

Other devices such as PCs or televisions constantly give off heat. As long as nobody needs them, you should unplug them.

Put off charging electronic devices until the night.

6. Let Your Washing Dry Outdoors ...

... if you have a larger balcony or a garden. Wet washing raises the humidity indoors, and the body perceives this as warmer than dry air. Clothes also dry faster outside in warm temperatures anyway.

7. Don't Eat Too Much

Eating a lot makes you sweat even more and makes you tired. It is smarter to eat small meals more often throughout the day. Also avoid fatty dishes, as they take longer to digest and may leave you feeling unwell. Handily, light dishes taste better to us in summer anyway – though exceptions prove the rule.

8. Always Remember Sun Protection

UV rays do real damage! They lead to premature skin ageing and a higher risk of skin cancer. Your skin is damaged irreparably – and your skin never forgets!

A visit to an outdoor pool is a great way to cool down

Even on days when the sun isn't out, you should apply high-factor sunscreen whenever you go outdoors. At the swimming pool in particular, reapply sunscreen at least every two hours.

9. Take More Breaks in Air-Conditioned Rooms

To cool down, it helps on really hot days to take a break now and then in a cooler room. That could be the supermarket, the library or even your own home, if you have air conditioning or a cellar.

10. Be Careful with Alcohol

Alcoholic drinks should be avoided, as alcohol has a dehydrating effect. If you do drink alcohol, make sure you always have a glass of water alongside it.

It is also worth remembering that alcohol generally makes people more careless: everyone has lost track of time at some point.

11. Think of Your Fellow Bremeners

Don't just think of yourself, but of the people around you too.

Warm weather can be genuinely dangerous for older people, people with chronic illnesses or small children: signs of heat exhaustion are vomiting, dizziness, headaches or nausea.

As soon as you notice these signs, help as best you can!

12. Closed Vehicles in Summer

Never leave your pets and children alone in parked cars: even on mild days, the temperature in parked cars can rise by the minute!

This issue is still dramatically underestimated and played down, and sometimes simply forgotten. On hot days, the temperature in a closed vehicle can reach levels dangerous to health within minutes – for people and animals alike!

More Tips for the North-West Metropolitan Region

These are the most important pieces of advice to help you enjoy the summer and stay safe. A few shorter tips follow here:

• Invest in a few portable fans or misters; the expense is worthwhile, as you can reuse them next summer.
• Get rid of all sources of heat and make sure your home is well ventilated.
• Avoid the cooker by preparing cold dishes or snacks in advance.
• Keep the blinds or curtains closed during the day to keep the heat out.
• A cold shower or bath before bedtime helps you sleep better.
• Apart from going to the swimming pool, you should not exercise in the heat.

Various aids for summertime

If you follow this advice, you should be able to enjoy the Bremen summer without too much discomfort, for example at the Bremer Bädern.

Eating ice cream is always a great idea, and it is even better if you can sit comfortably outside in the shade.

Stay cool and have fun!