What to Do About the Summer Heat in Celle?

High summer arrives in Celle an der Aller too. There are two types of people: those who love it and those who struggle with the summer. There are a few simple things you can do to protect yourself, whether or not you're a fan of summer – and this applies just as much in Celle in Lower Saxony, with its roughly 70,000 residents.

Many of these tips are well known, while others might be new to you and could really help. Knowing the answers to coping with high temperatures in Celle is useful, but only if you actually put them into practice.

Our 12 tips for beating the summer heat:

1. Drink plenty of fluids

Drinking plenty is really just common sense: in the summer heat, it's essential to drink lots of water, especially if you're spending time outdoors. When you sweat, you lose not just water but also minerals, which is why it's important to top these up by drinking regularly.

Failing to do so can lead to cramps or heat exhaustion. Water should be your main drink in summer, but unsweetened fruit juices and herbal teas can help too. Fizzy drinks and other sugary beverages can make you feel even more dehydrated, so they're best avoided in the summer months.

2. Avoid the midday sun

The sun is at its strongest around midday, so you should avoid it between 12pm and 3pm. During this time, wear a cap or stay in the shade.

It's well worth planning your day carefully, so go for walks in the evening or morning rather than at midday when it's at its hottest. Any strenuous physical activity can easily be saved for the cooler parts of the day.

3. Wear suitable clothing

You should wear light, loose-fitting and pale-coloured clothing that covers as much of your body as possible. This protects you from harmful UV rays while still keeping you cool.

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

Avoid synthetic fabrics such as polyester, as these materials don't absorb sweat, which makes you feel even warmer. Because of sweating, you should also change your clothes more often. The heat can catch you out faster than you'd think – so it's best to prepare early!

4. Always air your home

When it's cooler outside, open your windows and doors. Just be careful not to let any unwanted little creatures in with the fresh air.

You can cool your rooms down using damp towels hung in front of the windows or with a fan. South-facing flats or attic flats can heat up very quickly.

5. Switch off electronic devices

Even in standby mode, televisions, computers and other electrical appliances constantly generate heat. When you're not using them, unplug them from the mains.

On hot days, it's better to charge your electronic devices while you sleep.

6. Dry your washing outdoors ...

... if you have a decent-sized balcony or a garden. Damp washing indoors creates high humidity, which the body perceives as hotter than dry air. Outdoors, clothes dry faster anyway in warm weather.

7. Don't overeat

Large meals make you sluggish, which only makes you sweat more. It's better to eat several smaller meals throughout the day. Also avoid fatty meals, as these take longer to digest and can leave you feeling uncomfortable. As a rule, simpler dishes tend to taste better to us in summer, with few exceptions.

8. Never forget sun protection

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

So always apply sun cream with a high SPF before heading outside, even on days that aren't sunny. At the outdoor pool in particular, you should reapply sun protection at least every two hours.

9. Cool breaks by the Aller

On really hot days, it can help to take a break in an air-conditioned space now and then to cool down. This could be various places: the supermarket, the library, or your own home, provided it has a cellar or air conditioning.

10. Watch out – alcohol

You should avoid alcoholic drinks during summer, as alcohol has a dehydrating effect. If you do drink alcohol, make sure you always order a glass of water alongside it.

What's more, alcohol makes you less alert: everyone has lost track of time at some point because of it.

11. Fellow Celle residents

You need to think of others too.

Hot weather is even more dangerous for young children, older people or those with chronic illnesses. Keep an eye out for vomiting, dizziness, headaches or nausea in those around you, as these are symptoms of heat exhaustion.

If someone shows these symptoms, help them as best you can!

12. In cars

Never leave pets or children in parked cars: even cars parked in the shade can heat up very quickly!

Year after year, this issue is still dramatically underestimated and played down, and sometimes simply forgotten altogether. For both animals and people, being stuck in a car for too long on a hot day is life-threatening, as the temperature can rise to extremely high levels within minutes.

Even more tips for the Lüneburger Heide region

These tips will help you enjoy the summer while getting through it comfortably. Here are a few more pointers:

• It's a smart move to buy a few portable fans or misting sprays, as you can use these again next year.

• Make sure your house or flat is well ventilated and that unnecessary sources of heat are eliminated.

• When it's warm, it helps to prepare meals in advance, saving you the extra heat from the cooker.

• Keep curtains or blinds 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.

• Try to avoid exercising in summer – no matter how tempting – except for swimming in the pool.

If you keep these tips in mind, you should be able to enjoy the heat in Celle without too much discomfort, for example at Celler Badeland.

Going out for an ice cream is a wonderful idea, especially if you can find a shady spot to sit outdoors.

Stay cool and have fun!