Summer Heat in Neuss – 12 Tips

High summer is on its way, not just in Neuss am Rhein. Some people struggle with the heat, but just as many look forward to summer. In Neuss in North Rhine-Westphalia, with its roughly 155 thousand residents, there are simple measures you can take to make the season more bearable.

Some measures may already be familiar, while others are helpful and new. Knowing the dangers of high summer temperatures in Neuss and knowing the solutions are two different things.

Our 12 tips against the summer heat:

1. Drink plenty

This is actually completely natural: in the summer heat, especially outdoors, you should drink plenty of water. Drinking plenty is essential because it replenishes the fluids and minerals your body loses through sweating.

Not doing so can lead to heat exhaustion, sunstroke, heatstroke or cramps. Water should be your main drink in summer, but unsweetened fruit juices and herbal teas are just as helpful. Sugary drinks like lemonade actually make the feeling of dehydration worse.

2. Avoid the midday sun

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

Plan your day accordingly, and go for walks in the morning or evening rather than at midday when it's too hot. Physically demanding tasks can be caught up on during the cooler parts of the day.

3. Dress appropriately

You should wear loose, light-coloured and lightweight clothing that covers as much of your body as possible. This keeps you protected and cool at the same time.

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

Avoid synthetic fibres such as polyester, as these don't absorb sweat and can make you feel even warmer. You should change your clothes more often because of sweating. Stock up in good time, as the heat arrives faster than you'd think.

4. Ventilate your house/flat

Open the windows and doors, but only when it's colder outside than inside. Make sure you don't let insects in.

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

5. Switch off electronic devices

Constant heat is generated by other devices such as televisions or PCs. You should therefore unplug these devices completely when they're not in use.

Charging electronic devices should be postponed until night-time.

6. Dry your washing outdoors ...

... if you have a garden or a larger balcony. Damp washing indoors creates high humidity, which the body perceives as warmer than dry air. Outdoors, 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 smarter to eat several small meals spread throughout the day. Since long digestive processes can leave you feeling uncomfortable, you should avoid fatty dishes. Exceptions prove the rule that lighter dishes tend to taste better to us in summer.

8. Sun protection is important

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 result of UV rays. Don't forget – your skin never forgets!

Always apply sunscreen with a high SPF before going outside, even on days that aren't sunny. It's best to reapply sunscreen every two hours, especially if you're at the swimming pool.

9. Take a break in air-conditioned rooms

To cool down, it's smart to take a break in a cooler room now and then on really hot days. This could be various places: the library, the supermarket, or your own home, as long as it has air conditioning or a cellar.

10. Be careful with alcohol

Alcoholic drinks have a dehydrating effect and shouldn't be drunk in this weather. You should order at least one glass of water with every alcoholic drink.

You should also bear in mind that alcohol generally makes you less attentive: we've all lost track of time because of it at some point.

11. Think of your fellow Neuss residents

Don't just think of yourself, but of others too.

Warm weather is particularly dangerous for elderly people, those with chronic illnesses, or small children. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include headaches, nausea, vomiting or dizziness.

As soon as these symptoms appear, help as much as you can!

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 quickly!

Year after year, this issue is still dramatically downplayed and underestimated, and sometimes simply forgotten. For people and animals alike, it's life-threatening to be stuck in cars for too long on very hot days, as the temperature rises to very high levels in a short space of time.

Even more tips for the Niederrhein region

If you want to get through summer well and enjoy it, read and follow the tips. A few more bits of information follow here:

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

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

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

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

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

• Avoid doing sport in the heat, however hard it may be – except swimming, of course.

At the Südbad Neuss in Neuss, you should get through the heat very well – especially if you follow the tips.

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

Have fun and stay cool!