Summer Heat in Moers – 12 Tips

It's not just in Moers am Rhein that the height of summer is approaching. There are two types of people: those who look forward to it and those who struggle with the heat. Whether you enjoy this season or not, there are a few simple steps you can take to protect yourself and make life a bit easier - not just in Moers in North Rhine-Westphalia, with its roughly 100,000 residents.

Some of these tips might already be familiar, while others could be new and useful. Knowing the dangers of high temperatures in Moers and the corresponding solutions is one thing - actually being mindful of them and following them is quite another.

Our 12 tips for the hot summer:

1. Drink plenty of fluids

This one's fairly obvious: during summer, it's essential to drink plenty of water, especially if you're spending time outdoors. This is crucial because when you sweat, you lose not just water but also minerals from your body.

This can lead to heat exhaustion or cramps. In summer, water should be your main drink, though unsweetened fruit juices and herbal teas are also helpful. Fizzy drinks and other sugary beverages can actually make you feel more dehydrated, so they're best avoided in summer.

2. Avoid the midday sun

The sun is strongest around midday, so it's best to avoid it between 12pm and 3pm. Wear a cap and stay in the shade during this time.

Bear 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 be saved for the cooler parts of the day.

3. Dress appropriately

Your clothing should cover as much of your body as possible and be loose, light-coloured and lightweight. This way, you'll stay protected and cool at the same time.

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

Synthetic fabrics like polyester should be avoided, as they'll only make you hotter since they don't absorb sweat. The more changes of clothes you have, the better - because of the sweat. The heat can catch you out faster than expected, so stock up early!

4. Ventilate your home

When it's cooler outside, open your doors and windows. Just be careful not to let insects in.

You can cool your rooms with damp towels hung in front of windows or by using a fan. South-facing flats or top-floor flats can heat up very quickly.

5. Switch off electronic devices

Electrical devices such as televisions or computers generate constant heat. Switch them off when no one's using them.

It's best to charge your electronic devices overnight.

6. Dry your washing outdoors ...

... if you have a larger balcony or a garden. Wet washing increases the humidity indoors, which makes the air feel hotter than it actually is. Outdoors, clothes dry faster anyway in warm temperatures.

7. Don't overeat

Eating too much makes you sweat even more and leaves you feeling sluggish. It's better to eat several smaller meals throughout the day. Since long digestive processes can leave you feeling uncomfortable, it's best to avoid fatty dishes. Luckily, quick meals tend to taste better in summer anyway - the exception proves the rule.

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 - are also a result of UV exposure. Don't forget - your skin never forgets!

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

9. Cool breaks by the Rhine

It helps to take a break in an air-conditioned space now and then to cool down on a really hot day. This could be your own home, provided it has air conditioning or a cellar, or equally the library or a supermarket.

10. Alcoholic drinks

Alcohol has a dehydrating effect and should therefore be avoided. For every alcoholic drink, you should have at least one glass of water.

The effects of alcohol can also make you careless: everyone's lost track of time at some point.

11. Think of others

You should also think of those around you.

Warm weather is even more dangerous for people with chronic illnesses, small children or the elderly. Watch out for vomiting, dizziness, headaches or nausea in everyday life, as these are signs of heat exhaustion.

If someone shows these symptoms, help as much as you can!

12. In cars

Never leave pets or children alone in parked cars: even in the shade, temperatures inside a parked car can rise quickly!

This issue is still dramatically underestimated and played down, and sometimes simply forgotten. On very warm days, the temperature inside a closed vehicle can reach life-threatening levels within minutes - for both people and animals!

Some tips for the Niederrhein region

This information will help you enjoy the summer while getting through it well. We've put together even more tips for you:

• Buying a portable mister or fan is worthwhile, as you can use it again next summer.

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

• Avoid cooking by preparing cold meals or snacks in advance.

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

• To sleep better, try taking a cold shower or bath beforehand.

• Avoid exercising in summer, however hard that might be - except for swimming, of course.

With this information, you should be able to get through summer in Moers just fine, especially at ENNI Solimare.

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

Stay cool and have fun!