What to Do Against the Summer Heat in Dortmund?

High summer is coming, and not just in Dortmund on the Emscher. Plenty of people struggle with the heat, but just as many look forward to it. Either way, whether you love summer or not, there are a few simple measures you can take to protect yourself and make life a bit easier - not just in Dortmund in North Rhine-Westphalia, with its roughly 590 thousand residents.

You might already know some of these tips, but others may still be unfamiliar and can be very helpful. Knowing about the dangers of high summer temperatures in Dortmund and the solutions that can help - and actually following them - are two very different things.

Our 12 tips for the hot summer:

1. Drink plenty of fluids

Drinking enough is really a given: during summer, especially when you're outdoors, you should drink plenty of water. Drinking enough is essential, as it replenishes the minerals and water your body loses through sweating.

Not doing so can lead to heatstroke, sunstroke, heat exhaustion or cramps. In summer you should mainly drink water, though herbal teas and unsweetened fruit juices can help too. The feeling of dehydration is made worse by fizzy drinks and other sugary beverages.

2. Avoid the midday sun

Avoid the midday sun, as it's at its strongest between 12 noon and 3pm. During this time, you should stay in the shade or wear a cap.

Plan your day accordingly - go for walks in the morning or evening rather than at midday when it's too hot. Physically demanding outings can certainly wait until cooler times of day.

3. Clothing

Your clothing should cover as much of your body as possible while being light, pale-coloured and loose-fitting. This protects you from harmful sun rays while keeping you cool at the same time.

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

Synthetic fabrics, such as polyester, should be avoided, as they only make you hotter since they don't absorb sweat. The more often you change your clothes, the better it is for you when it comes to sweat. The heat arrives faster than expected - so prepare early!

4. Ventilate your home

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

You can also cool your home by hanging damp towels in front of the windows or using an electric fan. Flats facing south or attic flats can get very hot very quickly.

5. Switch off electronic devices

Even in standby mode, televisions, computers and other electrical devices generate constant heat. If you're not using them, you should unplug them.

You should also avoid charging devices on hot days - this can easily be put off until night-time.

6. Dry your washing outdoors ...

... in a garden or on a large balcony. Wet washing increases the humidity in your home. Your body perceives this as hotter than dry air. Clothes dry faster outdoors in high temperatures anyway.

7. Don't eat too much

Eating a lot makes you tired, which only makes you sweat more. It's better to eat several small meals throughout the day. You should avoid fatty foods, as long digestive processes can leave you feeling uncomfortable. Simple foods generally taste better to us in summer anyway, as most exceptions tend to confirm.

8. Always think about sun protection

UV radiation increases the risk of skin cancer and causes premature skin ageing. Don't forget - your skin never does!

Even on cloudy days, you should always apply sunscreen with a high SPF as soon as you head outdoors. It's best to reapply sunscreen every two hours, especially if you're at an outdoor pool.

9. Take a break in air-conditioned rooms

It helps to take a break in a cooler room every now and then to cool down on a really hot day. As long as it has air conditioning or is in a basement, this could be your own home, the local shop, or even the library.

10. Be careful with alcohol

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

The effects of alcohol can also make you less careful: we've all lost track of time at some point because of it.

11. Think of your fellow Dortmund residents

You should also think of the people around you.

Hot weather is particularly dangerous for people with chronic illnesses, young children or the elderly. Signs of heat exhaustion include vomiting, dizziness, headaches or nausea.

Help as best you can as soon as you notice these signs in someone!

12. In cars

Don't leave your pets or children in parked cars: temperatures in parked cars can rise quickly even on mild days!

This issue is still dramatically downplayed and underestimated, and sometimes forgotten altogether. Within just a few minutes, the temperature inside a car can reach levels that are dangerous to health, for both animals and humans.

Some tips for the Westphalia region

If you want to enjoy summer and get through it well, read and follow this advice. Here are a few shorter tips:

• Portable fans or misters are a good investment, as you can use them again next year.

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

• Avoid cooking by preparing cold meals or snacks in advance.

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

• A cold shower or bath before bed helps you sleep better.

• Apart from swimming, you shouldn't do any sport in such warm weather.

With these tips, you should get through the summer in Dortmund just fine, especially at the Südbad.

Going out for ice cream is a great idea too, especially if you can sit outside in the shade.

Have fun and keep cool!