12 Tips Against the Heat in Erfurt

Erfurt on the Gera isn't the only place where midsummer arrives. Many people look forward to summer, while others struggle with the heat. In Erfurt in Thüringen, home to around 215,000 people, there are simple steps you can take to make summer more bearable.

Some measures may already be familiar, while others are new and useful. Knowing the dangers of high temperatures in Erfurt and being aware of the helpful solutions is one thing — actually following them is another.

Our 12 tips for the hot summer:

1. Drink plenty of fluids

This should really go without saying: when you're out in the sun, it's very important to drink plenty of fluids during the summer heat, mainly water. When you sweat, you lose not just water but also minerals, which is why it's important to replenish these by drinking regularly.

Cramps or heat exhaustion can result from not doing so. Water is best, but herbal teas and unsweetened fruit juices can also help maintain your body's water balance. Avoid fizzy drinks and other sugary beverages, as these can actually intensify the feeling of dehydration.

2. Avoid the midday sun

Since the sun is at its strongest around midday, it's advisable to avoid it between midday and 3pm. Stay in the shade and wear a hat.

It's very important to plan your day well, so, for example, go for walks in the morning or evening rather than during the hot midday period. Physically demanding activities can be saved for cooler times of day.

3. Appropriate clothing

Wear loose, light, pale-coloured clothing that covers as much of your body as possible. This way, you stay cool while being protected from harmful sun rays.

Natural fabrics such as silk, cotton or linen are best suited for summer. These natural fabrics 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. You should change your clothes more often because of sweating. The heat arrives faster than expected — so stock up early!

4. Always ventilate your flat or house

Open doors and windows when it's cooler outside than indoors. Just be careful not to let any small creatures in.

You can cool down rooms by hanging wet towels in front of windows or using a fan. Attic flats, or those facing south, in particular can get very hot quickly.

5. Switch off electronic devices

PCs, televisions and other devices constantly generate heat even in standby mode. So you should unplug these devices completely whenever they're not in use.

You should also shift charging your devices to night-time.

6. Dry your washing outdoors ...

... if you have a garden or a larger balcony. Wet washing increases humidity indoors. This is perceived by the body as warmer than dry air. Outdoors, clothes dry faster anyway in high temperatures.

7. Don't eat too much

A large meal makes you tired and can make you sweat even more. It's smarter to eat several small meals spread throughout the day. Also avoid fatty meals, as these take longer to digest and could leave you feeling uncomfortable. It's no exception that lighter meals simply taste better to us in summer.

8. Don't 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 consequences of UV rays. Don't forget — your skin never forgets!

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

9. Air-conditioned rooms

On really hot days, it can help to take a break in a cooler room now and then to cool down. This could be your own flat, provided it has air conditioning or a cellar, or equally a supermarket or the library.

10. Be careful with alcohol

Alcoholic drinks shouldn't be consumed, as alcohol has a dehydrating effect. If you do drink alcohol, make sure you always have a glass of water alongside it.

What's more, the effects of alcohol make you less careful: everyone has lost track of time at some point because of it.

11. Fellow residents of Erfurt

You need to think of others too.

Hot weather is even more dangerous for young children, older people or those with chronic illnesses. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include nausea, vomiting, dizziness or headaches.

If you notice these symptoms in someone, help them as soon as you can!

12. Cars in summer

Never leave your children or pets alone in parked cars: temperatures inside parked cars can rise very quickly!

This issue is still dramatically underestimated and downplayed, and sometimes forgotten altogether. On very hot days, the temperature inside a closed vehicle can reach life-threatening levels within a very short time — for both animals and people!

A few tips for the Erfurt-Weimar-Jena region

These are the most important tips to help you enjoy summer while staying safe. Here are a few shorter tips:

• Portable fans or misting sprays are a good investment, as you can use them again year after year.

• Remove all sources of heat and make sure your home is well ventilated.

• Avoid using the cooker by preparing cold meals or snacks in advance.

• Keeping your curtains or blinds closed helps keep the heat out.

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

• Apart from going for a swim, you shouldn't do any sport in the heat.

At the Roland Matthes Schwimmhalle in Erfurt, you should get through the summer heat very well — especially if you follow these tips.

An ice cream is, of course, also a wonderful idea, especially if you can sit outside in the shade while enjoying it.

Have fun and stay cool!