Summer Heat in Ludwigshafen – 12 Tips

Summer isn't just arriving in Ludwigshafen am Rhein. There are two types of people: those who love it and those who struggle with the heat. In Ludwigshafen in Rhineland-Palatinate, with its roughly 170 thousand residents, there are simple things you can do to make the season more pleasant.

Some measures might already be familiar, while others are new and helpful. Knowing about the dangers of high temperatures in Ludwigshafen and the necessary solutions is one thing — actually being mindful of them and following them is quite another.

Our 12 tips for beating the summer heat:

1. Drink plenty

Drinking plenty is really just common sense: in the summer heat, especially when outdoors, you should drink lots of water. This is essential because when you sweat, you lose not just water but also minerals from your body.

This can lead to heat exhaustion or cramps. Unsweetened fruit juices and herbal teas can help maintain your fluid balance, but water is still best in summer. The feeling of dehydration is made worse by sugary drinks such as lemonade.

2. Avoid the midday sun

Avoid the midday sun, as it's at its strongest between midday and 3pm. During this time, you should stay in the shade or wear a hat.

Bear this in mind when planning your day — for example, go for a walk in the morning or evening rather than at midday. You can certainly move strenuous physical activities to a cooler time of day.

3. Dress appropriately

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

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

Avoid synthetic fabrics such as polyester, as these don't absorb sweat and can make you feel even hotter. The more changes of clothes, the better — because of the sweat. The heat arrives faster than expected, so prepare early!

4. Always ventilate your home

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

You can cool rooms down by hanging damp towels in front of the windows or using a fan. Attic flats or flats facing south can get very warm very quickly.

5. Switch off electronic devices

TVs, PCs and other devices generate heat constantly, even in standby mode. When nobody needs them, unplug them from the mains.

You should also avoid charging electronic devices on hot days — this can simply be shifted to night-time.

6. Dry your washing outdoors ...

... if you have a larger balcony or a garden. Wet washing increases the humidity in your rooms. The body perceives this as hotter than dry air. Washing also dries faster outdoors in hot temperatures anyway.

7. Don't eat too much

A large meal makes you tired and can make you sweat even more. It's therefore smarter to eat smaller meals more often throughout the day. Since long digestive processes can leave you feeling uncomfortable, you should avoid fatty meals. Simple dishes taste better to us in summer anyway, as the exceptions generally confirm.

8. Always remember 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 consequence of UV rays. Don't forget: your skin never forgets!

Sun cream with a high SPF is important as soon as you go outside, no matter how cloudy it is. It's best to reapply sun cream every two hours, especially if you're at the swimming pool.

9. Air-conditioned rooms

On really hot days, it can be wise to take a break in an air-conditioned room from time to time to cool down. This could be the library, the supermarket, or even your own home, if you have a cellar or air conditioning.

10. Alcoholic drinks

You should avoid alcoholic drinks during hot weather, 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 noting that alcohol generally makes you less cautious: everyone has lost track of time at some point because of it.

11. Think of your fellow Ludwigshafen residents

You must also think of others.

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

Help if you can, as soon as you notice these signs in someone!

12. In the car

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

This issue is still dramatically downplayed and underestimated, and sometimes simply forgotten. In a car, temperatures can reach dangerous levels within a very short time, posing a health risk to both people and animals.

Even more tips for the Rhein-Neckar metropolitan region

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

• Portable fans or misting sprays are a good investment for summer, as they can be reused every year.

• Heat sources should be eliminated and the flat should be well ventilated.

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

• To keep the heat out, keep curtains or blinds closed during the day.

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

• Avoid exercising in the heat, however tempting it may be — except for swimming, of course.

In Ludwigshafen, these tips should help you get through the heat well, especially at the Freibad by the Willersinnweiher.

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

Have fun and stay cool!