12 Tips Against the Heat in Magdeburg

It’s not only in Magdeburg an der Klinke that high summer arrives. There are two types of people: those who love it and those who struggle with the heat. But whether you enjoy this season or not, there are a few simple measures you can take to protect yourself and make life a little easier – not just in Magdeburg in Niedersachsen, with its nearly 240 thousand residents.

Some measures may already be popular, while others are helpful and new. Knowing about the dangers of high summer temperatures in Magdeburg is one thing – knowing the solutions is another.

Summertime - Our 12 Tips

1. Drink plenty of fluids

Drinking plenty of fluids should really go without saying: if you’re out in the sun during summer, it’s essential to drink a lot, mainly water. When you sweat, you lose not only water but also minerals, which is why it’s important to replenish these by drinking regularly.

Heat exhaustion or cramps can result from not doing so. In summer, you should mainly drink water, though unsweetened fruit juices and herbal teas are helpful too. Avoid sugary drinks such as lemonade, as these can actually make the feeling of dehydration worse.

2. Avoid the midday sun

Since the sun is at its strongest around midday, it’s advisable to avoid it between 12pm and 3pm. Stay in the shade during this time if possible, or wear a cap.

It’s very important to plan your day well, so go for walks in the morning or evening rather than during the hot midday period. Physically demanding outings can certainly wait until cooler times of day.

3. Wear suitable clothing

You should wear light-coloured, loose and 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 linen, cotton or silk are best. These natural materials absorb sweat well and are breathable.

Avoid synthetic fabrics such as polyester, as these don’t absorb sweat and can make you feel even hotter. Because of sweating, you should also change your clothes more often. Stock up early, as the heat arrives faster than expected.

4. Always ventilate your flat or house

Open doors and windows when it’s cooler outside than indoors. Just make sure you don’t let insects in.

You can also cool your rooms by hanging wet towels in front of the windows or using an electric fan. Flats facing south or attic flats can heat up very quickly.

5. Switch off electronic devices

Constant heat is generated by devices such as televisions or computers. Always unplug these completely from the mains when they’re not in use.

You should also postpone charging electronic devices until night-time.

6. Dry your washing outdoors ...

... in a garden or on a large balcony. Damp washing indoors creates high humidity. This is perceived by the body as hotter than dry air. Outside, washing dries faster anyway in high temperatures.

7. Don’t eat too much

A big meal makes you sweat even more and leaves you feeling sluggish. It’s therefore better to eat smaller meals more often throughout the day. Fatty foods take longer to digest, which can leave you feeling uncomfortable. As with most rules, there are exceptions – but generally, simpler dishes taste better to us in summer.

8. Sun protection is important

UV rays damage your skin, leading to premature skin ageing and an increased risk of skin cancer!

So always apply sunscreen with a high SPF before heading outside, even on cloudy days. Especially at the swimming pool, you should reapply sunscreen at least every two hours.

9. Air-conditioned spaces

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

10. Alcoholic drinks

Alcohol has a dehydrating effect and should therefore be consumed with caution. For every alcoholic drink, you should order at least one glass of water alongside it.

It’s also worth bearing in mind that alcohol tends to make you generally less careful: everyone has lost track of time at some point because of it.

11. Think of your fellow Magdeburg residents

Don’t just think of yourself – think of others too.

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

If you notice these signs in someone, please help if you can!

12. In the car

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

Year after year, this issue is still dramatically underestimated and downplayed, sometimes even forgotten altogether. Inside a closed vehicle, the temperature can reach life-threatening levels within a very short time – for animals and humans alike.

A few tips for the Magdeburg region

If you want to get through summer well and actually enjoy it, read and follow these tips. A few more tips follow here:

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

• Sources of heat should be removed, and the flat should be well ventilated.

• When it’s hot, it helps to prepare meals in advance, so you save yourself the extra heat from the cooker.

• Keeping curtains or blinds closed helps keep the heat out.

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

• Avoid exercising in the heat, even if it might not be easy – except for swimming, of course.

In Magdeburg, these tips should help you get through summer well, especially at the Elbeschwimmhalle.

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

Stay cool and have fun!