What to Do About the Summer Heat in Tübingen?

The height of summer is approaching not just in Tübingen am Neckar. Many people look forward to summer, while some struggle with it. In Tübingen in Baden-Württemberg, with its population of around 90,000, there are simple steps you can take to make the summer more bearable.

Some measures may be familiar, while others are helpful and new. Knowing the answers to coping with the high summer temperatures in Tübingen is all well and good, but it's useless if you don't put them into practice.

12 tips for hot summer days:

1. Drink plenty of fluids

Drinking plenty of fluids is actually completely natural: during summer, it's important to drink lots of water, especially if you're out and about. When you sweat, you lose not only water but also minerals, which is why it's essential to replenish these by drinking regularly.

The effects of not doing so can include heat exhaustion or cramps. Water is obviously the best choice, but herbal teas and unsweetened fruit juices can also help maintain your body's water levels. Avoid sugary drinks such as fizzy drinks, as these can make the feeling of dehydration even worse.

2. Avoid the midday sun

Avoid the midday sun, as it's at its strongest between midday and 3pm. Try to stay in the shade as much as possible during this time or wear a hat.

Plan your day accordingly, too — for example, go for a walk in the evening or morning instead of at midday when it's too hot. You could certainly move strenuous physical activities to a cooler time of day.

3. Clothing

Your clothing should cover as much of your body as possible and should be light-coloured, lightweight and loose-fitting. This way, you'll stay cool while being protected from harmful sun rays.

Natural fabrics such as cotton, silk or linen are best suited for this. 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. The more often you change your clothes, the better it is for you in terms of sweat. You should prepare in good time, as the heat can arrive faster than expected.

4. Always ventilate your flat/house

Open doors and windows when it's cooler outside than inside. However, make sure no insects get in.

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

5. Switch off electronic devices

Even in standby mode, televisions, computers and other electrical devices constantly generate heat. Always unplug these devices completely when they're not needed.

You should postpone charging electronic devices until night-time.

6. Dry your washing outdoors ...

... if you have a larger balcony or a garden. Damp washing leads to increased humidity in rooms. The body perceives this as warmer than dry air. Washing dries faster outdoors anyway in high temperatures.

7. Don't eat too much

Large meals make you feel very sluggish, causing you to sweat even more. It's therefore smarter to eat several small meals throughout the day. Also avoid fatty dishes, as these take longer to digest and could leave you feeling uncomfortable. Conveniently, quick meals tend to taste better to us in summer anyway — exceptions prove the rule.

8. Sun protection is important

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

Don't forget sun cream with a high SPF as soon as you go outside, no matter how cloudy it is. It's best to reapply sun cream every two hours, especially if you're at the outdoor pool.

9. Take a break in air-conditioned rooms

On really hot days, it can be wise to take a break in an air-conditioned room from time to time to cool down. This could be the library, the supermarket or even your own home, if you have a basement or air conditioning.

10. Watch out with alcohol

Alcoholic drinks shouldn't be consumed, as alcohol has a dehydrating effect. For every alcoholic drink, you should drink at least one glass of water.

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

11. Your fellow Tübingen residents

Think of others, not just yourself.

Hot weather is even more dangerous for elderly people, those with chronic illnesses or young children. Watch out for symptoms of heat exhaustion, such as dizziness, headaches, nausea or vomiting, in those around you.

If you notice these symptoms, help if you can!

12. In the car

Don't leave your pets or children alone in parked cars: even on mild days, temperatures inside cars parked in the shade can rise quickly!

This issue is still dramatically underestimated and played down, and sometimes simply forgotten altogether. In a closed car, the temperature can reach dangerous levels within a matter of minutes, posing a health risk to both animals and people.

More tips for the region at the heart of Baden-Württemberg

These are the most important pieces of information to help you stay safe and enjoy the summer. A few more tips follow here:

• Portable misting fans or fans are a good investment for summer, as they can be used again next year.

• Eliminate all heat sources and ensure your home is well ventilated.

• When it's hot, it's a good idea to prepare meals in advance, saving you the extra heat of cooking.

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

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

• Try not to exercise in the heat — no matter how hard it is, except for going for a swim.

In XXX XXX in Tübingen, you should cope very well with the heat — especially if you follow these tips.

Eating ice cream is always a wonderful idea, and it's even better if you can sit outside comfortably under a parasol.

Always have fun and stay cool!