Summer Heat in Flensburg – 12 Tips

It’s not just Flensburg on the Baltic Sea that’s bracing itself for high summer. Many people look forward to the heat, while others struggle with the summer months. Whether you love the season or not, there are a few simple steps you can take to protect yourself — and that applies just as much in Flensburg in Schleswig-Holstein, home to around 90,000 residents.

Some of these tips are well known, while others might be new and useful. Knowing about the dangers of high temperatures in Flensburg and knowing how to deal with them are two different things.

Our 12 tips for surviving the hot summer:

1. Drink plenty of fluids

Drinking plenty is actually completely natural: during the summer, especially outdoors, you should drink lots of water. This is important because it replenishes the minerals and fluid your body loses through sweating.

Heat exhaustion or cramps can result from dehydration. In summer, you should mainly drink water, though unsweetened fruit juices and herbal teas are helpful too. Sugary drinks like fizzy pop can actually make you feel more dehydrated, so they’re best avoided in summer.

2. Avoid the midday sun

The sun is strongest around midday, so you should avoid it between 12pm and 3pm. Stay in the shade where possible, or wear a hat.

Plan your day accordingly — for example, go for a walk in the morning or evening instead of at midday when it’s too hot. Save strenuous physical activities for the cooler parts of the day.

3. What to wear

Your clothing should cover as much of your body as possible and be light-coloured, loose and lightweight. This keeps you cool while protecting you from harmful UV rays.

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

Synthetic fabrics like polyester should be avoided, as they don’t absorb sweat and will only make you feel warmer. The more often you change clothes, the better — because of the sweat. Stock up in good time, as summer arrives faster than you think.

4. Keep your home well ventilated

Open the windows and doors, but only when it’s cooler outside than in. Just make sure you don’t let any insects in.

You can cool a room by hanging damp towels in front of the windows or using a fan. Loft flats or south-facing homes can heat up very quickly.

5. Switch off electronic devices

PCs, TVs and other devices generate heat even in standby mode. That’s why you should unplug electronic devices completely when they’re not in use.

It’s best to charge your electronic devices overnight.

6. Dry your washing outside...

...if you have a decent-sized balcony or garden. Damp washing indoors creates high humidity, which your body perceives as hotter than dry air. In hot weather, washing dries faster outside anyway.

7. Don’t eat too much

Large meals make you feel sluggish, which only makes you sweat more. It’s smarter to eat several smaller meals throughout the day. Also avoid fatty dishes, as they take longer to digest and can leave you feeling uncomfortable. Lighter meals tend to taste better in summer anyway, as most people will agree.

8. Don’t forget sun protection

UV rays damage your skin, leading to premature ageing and an increased risk of skin cancer. Don’t forget — your skin never does!

Don’t forget high-SPF sun cream whenever you go outside, no matter how cloudy it looks. Reapply every two hours or more often, especially if you’re at the swimming pool.

9. Take regular breaks in air-conditioned rooms

It’s wise to take a break in a cooler room from time to time to cool down on a really hot day. This could be various places: the supermarket, the library, or your own home, as long as it has air conditioning or a cellar.

10. Alcoholic drinks

Alcohol has a dehydrating effect, so it’s best avoided. For every alcoholic drink, you should have at least one glass of water.

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

11. Think of others

Think of others, not just yourself.

Hot weather is particularly dangerous for young children, older people and those with chronic illnesses. Watch out for signs of heat exhaustion in your daily life, such as headaches, nausea, vomiting or dizziness.

If you notice these signs in someone, help as much as you can!

12. In the car

Never leave your pets or children in a parked car: even in a stationary vehicle, temperatures can rise quickly!

This issue is still often played down and underestimated, and sometimes simply forgotten. On very hot days, the temperature inside a car can reach dangerous levels within minutes — for people and animals alike!

A few tips for the northern Schleswig-Holstein region

This information should help you get through summer comfortably while still enjoying it. A few more tips follow here:

• Investing in a portable fan or mister is worthwhile, as you can use it again next summer.

• Make sure your home is well ventilated and get rid of any unnecessary sources of heat.

• Prepare cold meals or snacks in advance so you don’t have to cook when it’s too hot.

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

• To sleep better, try having a cold shower or bath beforehand.

• Avoid exercising in the heat, however tempting it might be — apart from swimming, of course.

If you follow this advice, you should be able to enjoy Flensburg’s summer heat without too much trouble — for example, at the Campusbad Flensburg.

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

Stay cool and have fun!