Summer Heat in Heilbronn – 12 Tips

High summer is coming, not just in Heilbronn Am Neckar. Many people look forward to summer, while others struggle with it. There are a few simple steps you can take to protect yourself, whether you love summer or not - and this applies not just in Heilbronn in Baden-Württemberg with its roughly 125 thousand inhabitants.

You probably already know some of these tips, while others might be new to you and could be helpful. Knowing about the dangers of high summer temperatures in Heilbronn and knowing the solutions to them are two different things.

Summertime - Our 12 Tips

1. Drink Plenty of Fluids

This should really go without saying: during summer, especially outdoors, you should drink plenty of water. When you sweat, you lose not only water but also minerals, which is why it's essential to replenish them by drinking regularly.

Heat exhaustion or cramps can result from not doing so. Herbal teas and unsweetened fruit juices can help maintain your fluid balance, but water is still best in summer. Avoid fizzy drinks and other sugary beverages, as these can make the feeling of dehydration worse.

2. Avoid the Midday Sun

Since the sun is strongest around midday, it's advisable to avoid it between 12pm and 3pm. Wear a hat and stay in the shade during this time.

It's very important to plan your day well, so it's better to go for walks in the evening or morning rather than during the hot midday hours. Physically demanding trips can certainly wait until cooler times.

3. Dress Appropriately

You should wear loose, light-coloured and lightweight clothing that covers as much of your body as possible. This protects you from harmful sun rays while keeping you cool at the same time.

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

You should avoid synthetic fibres, such as polyester, as they only make you feel warmer since these fabrics don't absorb sweat. The more often you change your clothes, the better it is for you because of sweating. Prepare early, as summer arrives faster than expected.

4. Air Out Your Flat/House

Open the windows and doors, but only when it's cooler outside than inside. However, make sure no little critters come in with the breeze.

You can cool rooms down by hanging wet towels in front of windows or using a fan. It gets especially hot in flats facing south or in top-floor flats.

5. Switch Off Electrical Devices

TVs, computers and other electrical devices constantly generate heat even in standby mode. That's why you should unplug these devices completely from the mains whenever they're not in use.

You should postpone charging devices until night-time.

6. Dry Your Washing Outdoors ...

... if you have a larger balcony or a garden. Wet washing indoors creates increased humidity. This is perceived by the body as hotter than dry air. In high temperatures, washing dries faster outdoors anyway.

7. Don't Eat Too Much

A large meal makes you sweat even more and makes you tired. So it's better to spread several small meals throughout the day. Since long digestive processes might make you feel uncomfortable, you should avoid fatty meals. Light dishes tend to taste better to us in summer anyway, which is confirmed by exceptions in most cases.

8. Sun Protection Is Important

UV rays increase your risk of skin cancer and cause irreparable damage to your skin. Premature skin ageing - pigment spots and wrinkles - are also consequences of UV rays. Don't forget - your skin never forgets!

Even on cloudy days, you should apply sunscreen with a high SPF as soon as you go outside. Reapply sun protection every two hours or more often, especially if you're at an outdoor swimming pool.

9. Take a Break in Air-Conditioned Rooms

To cool down, it helps to take a break in an air-conditioned room from time to time on really hot days. This could be your own home, provided it has air conditioning or a cellar, or it could be the supermarket or the library.

10. Alcoholic Drinks

Alcohol has a dehydrating effect and should therefore be avoided. If you do drink alcohol, make sure to order a glass of water with every alcoholic drink.

The effects of alcohol can also make you careless: on top of that, everyone has lost track of time at some point because of it.

11. Think of Others

Think of the people around you, not just yourself.

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

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

12. In the Car

Never leave your pets or children alone in parked cars: even on mild days, temperatures inside parked cars can rise quickly!

Year after year, this issue is still dramatically downplayed and underestimated, and sometimes even forgotten altogether. For people and animals alike, it can be life-threatening to be stuck in cars for too long on very warm days, as the temperature rises to extremely high levels within minutes.

More Tips for the Kraichgau Region

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

• Invest in a few portable fans or misters - this expense is worthwhile, as you can reuse the devices the following summer.

• Make sure your house or flat is well ventilated and that unnecessary sources of heat are eliminated.

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

• Keeping your curtains or blinds closed keeps the heat out.

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

• Try to avoid exercising in the heat - no matter how hard it is, apart from going for a swim.

At the Freizeitbad Soleo in Heilbronn, you should cope with the heat very well - especially if you follow these tips.

Eating ice cream is always a great idea, and it's even better if you can sit comfortably outdoors in the shade.

Stay cool and have fun!