Summer Heat in Schwerin: 12 Tips

High summer is on its way, and not only in Schwerin on Schweriner See. There are two groups of people: those who love it and those who struggle with the heat. There are a few easy ways to protect yourself whether or not you like summer, and not only in Schwerin in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, with its just under 100 thousand inhabitants.

Some of them are well known, others may be new and helpful. Knowing the solutions to the high temperatures in Schwerin is good, but useless if you don't put them into practice.

Our 12 Tips for Coping with the Hot Summer:

1. Drink Plenty

Drinking plenty is very important and actually only logical: when you are out in the sun in summer heat, it is vital to drink a lot, mainly water. When you sweat, you lose not only water but also minerals, which is why it is essential to replace them by drinking regularly.

The consequence can be heat exhaustion or cramps. In summer you should drink mainly water, but herbal teas and unsweetened fruit juices are just as helpful. Fizzy drinks and other sugary drinks can make the feeling of dehydration worse, which is why they are not recommended in summer.

2. Avoid the Midday Sun

The midday sun is between 12 noon and 3pm. At this time the sun is at its strongest. If possible, stay in the shade then or wear a hat.

Plan your day accordingly too, and go for a walk in the evening or morning instead of at midday, for example, if it is too hot. You can certainly move physically strenuous activities to a cooler time.

3. Dress Appropriately

Wear loose, light-coloured, lightweight clothes that cover as much of your body as possible. That way you are protected from the harmful rays of the sun and stay cool at the same time.

Suitable clothing can protect against the sun

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

Avoid synthetic fabrics such as polyester, as they do not absorb sweat, which makes you feel even hotter. The more changes of clothes the better, because of the sweat. You should prepare in good time, as the heat arrives faster than you think.

4. Air Your House or Flat

When it is cooler outside, open the windows and doors. Just make sure no little creatures come in with the breeze.

You can keep rooms cool by hanging wet towels in front of the windows or using a fan. In attic flats in particular, or those facing south, it can quickly get very hot.

5. Switch Off Electronic Devices

Other devices such as PCs or televisions produce constant heat. You should therefore switch electronic devices off completely while they are not in use.

On warm days you should charge your electronic devices at night instead.

6. Let Washing Dry Outdoors ...

... in a garden or on a large balcony. Wet washing raises the humidity in the flat. The body perceives this as hotter than dry air. In hot temperatures, clothes dry faster outdoors anyway.

7. Don't Eat Too Much

A large meal makes you sluggish and can make you sweat even more. It is better to eat several small meals spread over the day. Fatty meals take longer to digest, which could leave you feeling unwell. Luckily, light dishes taste better to us in summer, though exceptions prove the rule.

8. Sun Protection Is Important

UV radiation brings an increased risk of skin cancer and premature skin ageing. Don't forget: your skin never forgets!

A visit to an outdoor pool is a great way to cool off

Don't forget sun cream with a high sun protection factor whenever you go out, however cloudy it is. At the swimming pool in particular, you should reapply sun cream at least every two hours.

9. Take More Breaks in Air-Conditioned Rooms

To cool down, it helps on really hot days to take a break in an air-conditioned room now and then. That could be the library, the supermarket or even your own home, if you have a cellar or air conditioning.

10. Be Careful with Alcohol

Alcoholic drinks have a dehydrating effect and should therefore be avoided. If you do drink alcohol, make sure to drink a glass of water with each alcoholic drink.

Alcoholic drinks can also make you more careless: everyone has lost track of time that way.

11. Think of Your Fellow Schwerin Residents

You also need to think of the people around you.

Hot weather is especially dangerous for people with chronic illnesses, small children and older people. Watch for symptoms of heat exhaustion such as headaches, nausea, vomiting or dizziness among those around you.

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

12. In Cars

Never leave your children or pets in parked cars: even on mild days, the temperature in parked cars can rise quickly!

This subject is still dramatically played down and underestimated, and sometimes simply forgotten. For animals and people alike, it is dangerous to be stuck in a closed vehicle for too long on very warm days, as the temperature rises to very high figures in a short time.

Some Tips for the Region in Western Mecklenburg

This information helps you enjoy the summer while also getting through it well. Here are a few shorter tips:

• Portable fans or misters are a good investment for the summer, as you can use them again next year.
• Make sure your house or flat is well ventilated and that unnecessary sources of heat are eliminated.
• Avoid cooking by preparing cold meals or snacks in advance.
• If you keep the curtains or blinds closed, the heat stays outside.
• A cold shower or bath before going to bed helps you sleep better.
• Try not to exercise in the heat, however hard that is, except for swimming at the pool.

Various aids for the summer months

If you follow these tips, you should be able to enjoy the heat in Schwerin without too much discomfort, for example at the Schwimmhalle Großer Dreesch.

Eating ice cream is always a wonderful idea, and even better if you can sit comfortably outdoors in the shade.

Stay cool and have fun!