Summer Heat in Herford – 12 Tips

High summer arrives in Herford an der Werre too. Many people struggle with the heat, but just as many look forward to summer. In Herford in North Rhine-Westphalia, with its population of around 65,000, there are simple steps you can take to make the season more bearable.

Some measures may already be familiar, while others are new and helpful. Knowing about the dangers of high summer temperatures in Herford and the appropriate solutions is one thing — actually being aware of them and following them is quite another.

Our 12 tips for a hot summer:

1. Drink plenty

Drinking plenty of fluids is very important and, in fact, rather obvious: if you're out and about in the summer heat, it's essential to drink a lot, especially water. This matters because when you sweat, you lose not just water but also minerals from your body.

This can lead to heatstroke, sunstroke, heat exhaustion or cramps. Water is genuinely your best option, though herbal teas and unsweetened fruit juices also help maintain your body's water levels. Fizzy drinks and other sugary beverages can actually make the feeling of dehydration worse.

2. Avoid the midday sun

The sun is at its strongest around midday, so you should avoid it between 12pm and 3pm. Wear a cap and stay in the shade during this time.

It's important to plan your day well, so go for walks in the morning or evening rather than during the hot midday hours. You can certainly shift strenuous physical activities to a cooler time of day.

3. What to wear

Wear loose, light-coloured, lightweight 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 cotton, linen or silk are best. These materials absorb sweat well and are breathable.

Avoid synthetic fibres such as polyester, as these materials don't absorb sweat, which makes you feel even warmer. Because of sweating, you should also change your clothes more often. The heat can catch you out faster than expected — so prepare early!

4. Air out your home

Open doors and windows when it's cooler outside than in. However, make sure no insects come in with the fresh air.

You can also cool your home by hanging wet towels in front of windows or using an electric fan. South-facing flats or top-floor flats can heat up very quickly.

5. Switch off electrical appliances

TVs, computers and other devices generate heat continuously, even in standby mode. If you're not using them, unplug them.

You should also avoid charging electronic devices on hot days — simply shift this to night-time instead.

6. Dry your washing outdoors ...

... if you have a garden or a larger balcony. Damp washing increases humidity indoors, which your body perceives as warmer than dry air. Outside, washing dries faster in hot weather anyway.

7. Don't eat too much

A large meal can leave you feeling sluggish and make you sweat even more. It's smarter to eat several small meals throughout the day. Fatty dishes take longer to digest, which can leave you feeling uncomfortable. Luckily, simple dishes tend to taste better in summer anyway — though there are always exceptions.

8. Always think about sun protection

Your skin is damaged by UV rays, which increases the risk of skin cancer and leads to premature skin ageing. 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 the outdoor pool.

9. Take a break in air-conditioned rooms

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

10. Alcoholic drinks

During summer, you should avoid alcoholic drinks, as alcohol has a dehydrating effect. For every alcoholic drink, you should order at least one glass of water alongside it.

It's also worth bearing in mind that alcohol generally makes you less alert — who hasn't lost track of time after a drink or two?

11. Think of others

You shouldn't just think of yourself — the people around you matter too.

Warm weather is even more dangerous for elderly people, those with chronic illnesses, or small children. Keep an eye out for dizziness, headaches, nausea or vomiting, as these are symptoms of heat exhaustion.

As soon as you notice these signs, help as much as you can!

12. In cars

Never leave your pets or children in parked cars: temperatures can rise rapidly even in parked cars!

Year after year, this issue is still dramatically underestimated and downplayed, and sometimes forgotten altogether. Inside a car, temperatures can reach life-threatening levels within a very short time, for both animals and people.

Some tips for the Ravensberger Hügelland region

If you want to get through summer well and enjoy it, read and follow these tips. Here are a few shorter ones:

• It's a good idea to buy a few portable misters or fans, as you can reuse these every year.

• Get rid of heat sources and make sure your home is well ventilated.

• Avoid using the hob by preparing cold meals or snacks in advance.

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

• To sleep better, it's best to take a cold bath or have a cold shower beforehand.

• Avoid doing sport in summer, however tempting it might be — except for swimming, of course.

With these tips, you should be able to get through the heat in Herford just fine, especially at the outdoor pool In the small field.

An ice cream is, of course, also a wonderful idea, especially if you can enjoy it sitting outside under a parasol.

Have fun and stay cool!