What to Do About the Summer Heat in Plauen?

The height of summer is approaching, not just in Plauen on the Weisse Elster. There are two groups of people: those who look forward to it and those who struggle with the heat. In Plauen in Saxony, with its roughly 65,000 inhabitants, there are simple steps you can take to make the season more pleasant.

Some measures may already be familiar, while others are new and helpful. Knowing the solutions to Plauen's high summer temperatures is all well and good, but it's no use unless you actually put them into practice.

Our 12 tips for the hot summer:

1. Drink plenty of fluids

Drinking plenty should really go without saying: in the summer heat, especially outdoors, you should drink a lot of water. Drinking plenty is important because it replenishes the fluids and minerals your body loses through sweating.

Failing to do so can lead to heat exhaustion, sunstroke, heatstroke or cramps. Water is best, but unsweetened fruit juices and herbal teas are also helpful for maintaining your body's fluid balance. Avoid lemonade and other sugary drinks, as these can actually intensify the feeling of dehydration.

2. Avoid the midday sun

The midday sun is out between 12pm and 3pm. This is when the sun is at its strongest. During this time, you should wear a hat or stay in the shade.

Plan your day accordingly: go for walks in the morning or evening rather than at midday when it's too hot. Physically demanding activities can certainly wait until cooler times of day.

3. Wear appropriate clothing

Your clothing should cover as much of your body as possible and be loose, lightweight and light-coloured. This protects you from dangerous sun rays while helping you stay cool.

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

You should avoid synthetic fibres, such as polyester, as these only make you hotter since they don't absorb sweat. You should change your clothes more often because of sweating. Summer arrives faster than expected — so prepare in good time!

4. Air out your flat or house

When it's cooler outside, open the windows and doors. However, make sure no unwanted little creatures come in with the breeze.

You can also cool your home down by hanging damp towels in front of the windows or using an electric fan. Loft flats or homes facing south can heat up very quickly.

5. Switch off electrical appliances

Even in standby mode, televisions, computers and other electrical appliances constantly generate heat. Always unplug electronic devices completely from the mains when they're not in use.

You should postpone charging electronic devices until night-time.

6. Dry your washing outdoors ...

... if you have a decent-sized balcony or garden. Damp washing increases humidity indoors. The body perceives this as hotter than dry air. Outside, washing dries faster anyway in hot weather.

7. Don't eat too much

A large meal makes you tired and can make you sweat even more. It's better to spread several small meals throughout the day. Since long digestive processes can leave you feeling uncomfortable, you should avoid fatty meals. Light meals tend to taste better in summer anyway, which is generally the rule rather than the exception.

8. Sun protection is important

UV rays increase your risk of skin cancer and cause irreparable damage to your skin. Premature skin ageing — pigmentation marks and wrinkles — is also a consequence of UV exposure. Don't forget: your skin never forgets!

Sunscreen with a high SPF is important as soon as you go outside, no matter how cloudy it is. Especially at the outdoor pool, you should reapply sunscreen at least every two hours.

9. Take cool breaks in air-conditioned rooms

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

10. Be careful with alcohol

During summer, you should try to avoid alcoholic drinks, as alcohol has a dehydrating effect. If you do drink, remember to have a glass of water with every alcoholic drink.

Alcohol also makes you careless: everyone has, at some point, lost track of time while drinking.

11. Think of others

You must also think of others.

Warm weather is especially dangerous for people with chronic illnesses, young children or the elderly. Watch out for signs of heat exhaustion, such as vomiting, dizziness, headaches or nausea, in those around you.

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

12. In the car

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

Year after year, this issue is still dramatically played down and underestimated, sometimes simply forgotten. Inside a car, the temperature can reach dangerous levels within a very short time, posing a health risk to both people and animals.

More tips for the Vogtland region

These tips will help you get through summer well while also enjoying it. Here are a few shorter tips:

• Portable misting sprays or fans are a good investment, as you can use them again every year.

• Heat sources should be eliminated and the home must be well ventilated.

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

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

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

• Avoid exercising in the heat, even if that's not always easy — except for swimming, of course.

If you follow this advice, you should be able to enjoy summer in Plauen without too much discomfort, for example at the Stadtbad Plauen.

An ice cream is, of course, also a wonderful idea, especially if you can enjoy it sitting outside under a parasol.

Stay cool and have fun!