What to Do About the Summer Heat in Hannover?

Hannover on the Leine isn’t alone when high summer arrives. Some people love it, others struggle with the heat. Whether you enjoy summer or not, there are a few simple steps you can take to protect yourself and make life a bit easier – not just in Hannover in Lower Saxony, with its roughly 540,000 residents.

You’ll probably already know several of these, while others may be new and genuinely helpful. Knowing about the dangers of high summer temperatures in Hannover and knowing the solutions are two very different things.

Our 12 tips for hot summer days:

1. Drink plenty of fluids

Drinking plenty of fluids is actually completely natural: in the summer heat, especially in the sun, you should drink a lot of water. This is important because it replenishes the water and minerals your body loses through sweating.

The result of not doing so can be cramps or heat exhaustion. In summer, you should mainly drink water, though unsweetened fruit juices and herbal teas can help too. Sugary drinks such as lemonade actually make the feeling of dehydration worse.

2. Avoid the midday sun

Between midday and 3pm, you should definitely avoid the sun, as it’s at its strongest during this time. It’s best to stay in the shade or wear a hat.

Planning your day well is really important, so go for walks in the morning or evening rather than during the warm midday hours. You can certainly move strenuous, physical outings to a cooler time of day.

3. Wear suitable clothing

Wear loose, light-coloured, lightweight clothes that cover as much of your body as possible. This protects you from harmful sun rays while keeping you cool.

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

You should avoid synthetic fabrics such as polyester, as they only make you warmer since they don’t absorb sweat. Because of sweating, you should also change your clothes more often. Stock up in good time, as the heat can arrive faster than expected.

4. Air out your flat or house

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

You can cool your home with wet towels in front of the windows or by using a fan. It gets particularly warm in flats facing south or in top-floor flats under the roof.

5. Switch off electronic devices

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

On warm days, it’s better to charge your electronic devices while you sleep.

6. Dry your washing outdoors ...

... if you have a decent-sized balcony or a garden. Damp washing indoors creates high humidity, which the body perceives as warmer than dry air. Washing dries faster outside in warm weather anyway.

7. Don’t eat too much

A large meal makes you sluggish and can make you sweat even more. It’s better to eat several smaller meals throughout the day. Fatty meals take longer to digest, which can leave you feeling uncomfortable. Light dishes generally taste better to us in summer anyway, as the exceptions usually confirm.

8. Don’t forget sun protection

UV rays increase your risk of skin cancer and cause irreparable damage to your skin. Premature skin ageing – pigment spots and wrinkles – is also a result of UV rays. Don’t forget – your skin never forgets!

So always apply sunscreen with a high SPF before heading outdoors, even on cloudy days. Especially at outdoor pools, you should reapply sunscreen at least every two hours.

9. Cool breaks by the Leine

It’s wise to take a break in an air-conditioned room from time to time to cool down on a really hot day. This could be your own home, provided it has air conditioning or a cellar, or a shop or the library.

10. Be careful with alcohol

During summer, you should avoid alcohol, as it has a dehydrating effect. If you do drink, make sure to order a glass of water with every alcoholic drink.

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

11. Think of others too

You shouldn’t only think of yourself, as other people matter too.

Hot weather can be genuinely dangerous for older people, people with chronic illnesses or young children: in everyday life, watch out for nausea, vomiting, dizziness or headaches, as these are symptoms of heat exhaustion.

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

12. Closed vehicles in summer

Never leave your children or pets in parked cars: even on mild days, the temperature inside a parked car can rise by the minute!

Year after year, this issue is still dramatically downplayed and underestimated, sometimes even simply forgotten. On very warm days, the temperature inside a car can reach life-threatening levels within minutes – for both animals and people!

More tips for the Hannover-Braunschweig-Göttingen-Wolfsburg metropolitan region

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

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

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

• Avoid using the stove by preparing cold dishes or snacks in advance.

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

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

• Avoid exercising in warm weather, even if that’s not always easy – except for swimming, of course.

At the Stadionbad in Hannover, you should get through the heat pretty well – especially if you keep these tips in mind.

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

Stay cool and have fun!