12 Tips to Beat the Heat in Halle

It's not just in Halle an der Saale that high summer arrives. There are two types of people: those who love it and those who struggle with the summer. But whether you enjoy the summer or not, there are a few simple things you can do to protect yourself and make life easier - not just in Halle in Sachsen-Anhalt, with its nearly 160 thousand residents.

You're probably already familiar with many of these tips, while others may be new and helpful. Knowing the solutions to the high temperatures in Halle is all well and good, but not if you don't put them into practice.

12 tips for the hot summer:

1. Drink plenty of fluids

Drinking enough is very important and actually quite logical: during summer, it's essential to drink plenty of water, especially if you're out in the sun. This matters because when you sweat, you lose not only water but also minerals from your body.

This can lead to sunstroke, heatstroke, cramps or heat exhaustion. In summer, you should mainly drink water, though unsweetened fruit juices and herbal teas are just as helpful. The feeling of dehydration is worsened by fizzy drinks and other sugary beverages.

2. Avoid the midday sun

The midday sun is between 12pm and 3pm. This is when the sun is at its strongest. During this time, you should wear a hat or stay in the shade.

It's very important to plan your day well, so it's better to go for a walk in the morning or evening rather than at midday when it's so warm. Physically demanding activities can be saved for cooler times of day.

3. Dress appropriately

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

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

Synthetic fibres, such as polyester, should be avoided, as they only make you hotter since these materials don't absorb sweat. You should change your clothes more often because of sweating. Summer arrives faster than you think - so prepare in good time!

4. Air out your flat or house

Open the windows and doors, but only when it's cooler outside than inside. However, be careful not to let any little critters in.

You can create cooler rooms by hanging damp towels in front of windows or using a fan. Attic flats or those facing south can get very hot very quickly.

5. Switch off electrical devices

PCs, TVs and other devices constantly generate heat even in standby mode. Always switch off electronic devices completely when they're not needed.

You should also postpone charging devices until night-time.

6. Dry your washing outdoors ...

... in a garden or on a large balcony. Wet washing indoors creates high humidity. This is perceived by the body as warmer than dry air. Outdoors, washing dries faster anyway in hot temperatures.

7. Don't eat too much

A big meal makes you sweat even more and makes you tired. So it's better to spread several small meals throughout the day. Fatty meals take longer to digest, which could leave you feeling uncomfortable. There are exceptions to every rule, but lighter dishes generally taste better to us in summer.

8. Sun protection is important

Your skin is damaged by UV rays, which leads to premature skin ageing and increases the risk of skin cancer. Don't forget - your skin never forgets!

You should apply sunscreen with a high SPF whenever you go outside, even on days that aren't sunny. Reapply sun protection every two hours or more often, especially if you're at the outdoor pool.

9. Cool breaks in Halle

To cool down, it helps to take a break in an air-conditioned room every now and then on really hot days. This could be various places: the supermarket, the library or your own home, as long as it has a cellar or air conditioning.

10. Watch out - alcohol

You shouldn't drink alcohol, as it has a dehydrating effect. You should order at least one glass of water with every alcoholic drink.

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

11. Think of others

You need to think of those around you too.

Warm weather is even more dangerous for young children, older people or those with chronic illnesses. In everyday life, watch out for nausea, vomiting, dizziness or headaches, as these are signs of heat exhaustion.

If someone shows these signs, help as much as you can!

12. In the car

Never leave your pets or children in parked cars: the temperature inside cars parked in the shade can rise quickly even on mild days!

This issue is still dramatically downplayed and underestimated, and sometimes forgotten altogether. Inside a car, the temperature can reach life-threatening levels within a very short time, for animals and humans alike.

More tips for the Mitteldeutschland metropolitan region

These are the most important tips to help you stay safe and enjoy the summer. Here are a few more tips:

• It's a smart idea to buy a few portable misting sprays or fans, as you can use them again every year.

• Remove 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 cook when it's too hot.

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

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

• Avoid doing sport in summer, however hard it may be - except swimming, of course.

If you keep these tips in mind, you should be able to enjoy Halle's summer without too much discomfort, for example at the Stadtbad.

Eating ice cream is always a great idea, even better if you can sit comfortably outside under a parasol.

Always have fun and stay cool!