Summer Heat in Fürth – 12 Tips

Midsummer is on its way, and not just in Fürth on the Pegnitz. There are two types of people: those who love it and those who struggle with summer. In Fürth in Bavaria, with its roughly 128 thousand residents, there are simple steps you can take to make the season more bearable.

Some of these measures might already be familiar, while others may be new and helpful. Knowing about the dangers of high summer temperatures in Fürth and knowing the solutions to them are two different things.

Our 12 tips for beating the summer heat:

1. Drink plenty

Drinking plenty is actually completely natural: if you're out and about in the summer heat, it's highly advisable to drink a lot, especially water. This is important because when you sweat, you lose not only water but also minerals from your body.

This can lead to heatstroke, sunstroke, heat exhaustion or cramps. In summer, you should mainly drink water, but herbal teas and unsweetened fruit juices are just as helpful. Avoid sugary drinks like fizzy drinks, as these can actually make the feeling of dehydration worse.

2. Avoid the midday sun

The midday sun is between 12pm and 3pm. This is when the sun is at its strongest. Stay in the shade and wear a cap.

Plan your day accordingly, too — go for walks in the morning or evening instead of at midday when it's too hot. It's best to move strenuous physical activities to a time when temperatures have already dropped a bit.

3. Dress appropriately

Wear loose, light, pale-coloured clothing that covers as much of your body as possible. This keeps you cool while protecting you from dangerous sun rays.

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

You should avoid synthetic fibres such as polyester, as these will only make you hotter since they don't absorb sweat. Because of the sweating, you should also change your clothes more often. It's worth preparing in good time, as the heat arrives faster than you might think.

4. Always ventilate your home

Open windows and doors when it's cooler outside than indoors. Just make sure you don't let any little critters in.

You can also cool your home by hanging damp towels in front of the windows or using an electric fan. Loft flats or those facing south can heat up very quickly.

5. Switch off electrical devices

Constant heat is generated by other devices, such as televisions or computers. If no one needs them, you should switch them off.

You should also avoid charging devices on hot days — you can simply move this to night-time instead.

6. Dry your washing outdoors ...

... in a garden or on a large balcony. Damp washing leads to increased humidity in your home, which makes it feel hotter than dry air does. Outdoors, clothes dry faster anyway in hot temperatures.

7. Don't eat too much

Eating a lot makes you sluggish and can make you sweat even more. It's better to have several small meals spread throughout the day. Since long digestive processes can leave you feeling uncomfortable, you should avoid fatty dishes. There's a good reason lighter dishes taste better to us in summer.

8. Never forget sun protection

Premature skin ageing and an increased risk of skin cancer are caused by UV radiation. Don't forget — your skin never forgets!

Don't forget sun cream with a high SPF whenever you go outside, no matter how cloudy it is. Especially at the swimming pool, you should reapply sun protection at least every two hours.

9. Air-conditioned spaces

It's a smart idea to take a break in an air-conditioned room now and then to cool down on a really hot day. This could be your own home, provided it has air conditioning or a cellar, or it could be the library or even the supermarket.

10. Be careful with alcohol

Alcoholic drinks should be avoided, as alcohol has a dehydrating effect. If you do drink alcohol, remember to order a glass of water alongside each alcoholic drink.

What's more, the effects of alcoholic drinks make you less careful — and everyone has lost track of time because of it at some point.

11. Think of others

You can't just think of yourself, as the people around you matter too.

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

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

12. Cars in summertime

Don't leave your children or pets alone in parked cars: temperatures inside parked cars can rise rapidly!

This issue is still dramatically underestimated and played down, and sometimes simply forgotten. Inside a car, the temperature can reach life-threatening levels within a very short time, for both animals and people.

Some tips for the Mittelfranken region

These tips will help you get through the summer well and enjoy it at the same time. We've put together a few more tips for you:

• Investing in portable fans or misting sprays is worthwhile, as you can use them again every summer.

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

• Prepare cold dishes or snacks in advance so you don't have to use the hob when it's too hot.

• To keep the heat out, keep your curtains or blinds closed during the day.

• Take a cold bath or cold shower before going to bed to help you sleep better.

• Try not to do any sport in hot weather — no matter how hard it is to resist — except swimming.

If you take these tips on board, you should be able to enjoy the heat in Fürth without too much discomfort, for example at the Fürthermare Water Park .

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

Stay cool and have fun!