12 Tips Against the Heat in Ingolstadt

The height of summer arrives not only in Ingolstadt on the Danube. Many people struggle with the heat, but just as many look forward to it. Regardless of whether you enjoy summer or not, there are a few simple measures you can take to protect yourself and make life easier — not only in Ingolstadt in Bavaria, with its nearly 140,000 residents.

Some of these tips are well known, while others might be new to you and could really help. Knowing the dangers of high temperatures in Ingolstadt and knowing the solutions are two different things.

Our 12 tips for hot summer days:

1. Drink plenty of fluids

Drinking enough is really a given: in the summer heat, 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 just water but also minerals from your body.

The effects of this can include cramps or heat exhaustion. In summer, you should mainly drink water, though herbal teas and unsweetened fruit juices are helpful too. Steer clear of sugary drinks such as fizzy drinks, as these can make the feeling of dehydration even worse.

2. Avoid the midday sun

Since the sun is strongest around midday, it's best to avoid it between 12pm and 3pm. During this time, you should wear a hat or stay in the shade.

Keep this in mind when planning your day — for example, go for walks in the morning or evening rather than at midday. Strenuous physical activities can certainly wait until cooler times of day.

3. Dress appropriately

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, silk or linen work best. These materials are breathable and absorb sweat well.

Avoid synthetic fabrics like polyester, as they don't absorb sweat and can make you feel even warmer. The more changes of clothes you have, the better — because of the sweat. It's worth preparing early, as summer arrives faster than you'd think.

4. Ventilate your home

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

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

5. Switch off electronic devices

PCs, TVs and other devices continue to generate heat even in standby mode. If nobody needs them, switch them off.

On hot days, it's better to charge your devices overnight.

6. Dry your washing outdoors ...

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

7. Don't eat too much

Large meals make you tired, which only makes you sweat more. It's better to eat several small meals throughout the day. Fatty dishes take longer to digest, which can leave you feeling uncomfortable. Luckily, we tend to prefer lighter meals in summer anyway — exceptions prove the rule.

8. Don't forget sun protection

Premature skin ageing and an increased risk of skin cancer are caused by UV radiation. Don't forget — your skin never does!

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

9. Take frequent breaks in air-conditioned rooms

It's a smart idea to take breaks in an air-conditioned room now and then to cool down on a really hot day. This could be various places: the library, the supermarket, or your own home, as long as it has a cellar or air conditioning.

10. Watch out with alcohol

You should avoid alcohol in summer, as it has a dehydrating effect. If you do drink alcoholic beverages, make sure to always order a glass of water alongside them.

The effects of alcoholic drinks can also make you careless: everyone has lost track of time at some point because of it.

11. Fellow Ingolstadt residents

Think of others too, not just yourself.

Hot weather can be genuinely dangerous for young children, older people or those with chronic illnesses: keep an eye out for headaches, nausea, vomiting or dizziness in those around you, as these are signs of heat exhaustion.

If these signs appear, help as much as you can!

12. In the car

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

Year after year, this issue is still dramatically downplayed and underestimated, sometimes simply forgotten. In a car, the temperature can reach life-threatening levels within just a few minutes, for both animals and people.

Further tips for the Oberbayern region

If you want to enjoy summer and get through it well, read and follow this advice. Here are a few more tips:

• Invest in a few portable misting fans or fans — it's a worthwhile expense, as you can reuse the devices next summer.

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

• Prepare cold dishes or snacks in advance so you don't have to use the cooker when it's too hot.

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

• Take a cold bath or shower before bed so you can sleep better.

• Avoid exercising in hot weather, even if it might not be easy — apart from swimming, of course.

With these tips, you should get through the summer heat in Ingolstadt just fine, especially at the Freibad Ingolstadt.

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

Stay cool and have fun!