Was tun gegen die Sommerhitze in Weimar?

Midsummer is on its way, not just in Weimar an der Ilm. Some people struggle with the heat, while just as many look forward to it. Whether you love the summer or not, there are a few simple steps you can take to protect yourself – and that goes for Weimar in Thüringen, with its roughly 65,000 residents, as much as anywhere else.

You'll probably already know some of these, while others may be new and useful. Knowing the answers to coping with midsummer temperatures in Weimar is all well and good, but it's no use if you don't put them into practice.

Our 12 tips for the hot summer:

1. Drink plenty of fluids

Drinking enough should really go without saying: when you're out and about in the summer heat, it's essential to drink plenty, mainly water. Drinking plenty is important because it replenishes the fluids and minerals your body loses through sweating.

Heat exhaustion or cramps can result otherwise. Unsweetened fruit juices and herbal teas can help stabilise your fluid balance, but water is still your best bet in summer. Steer clear of fizzy drinks and other sugary beverages, as these can actually make the feeling of dehydration worse.

2. Avoid the midday sun

Avoid the midday sun, as it's at its strongest between 12 noon and 3pm. During this time, you should wear a hat or stay in the shade.

Plan your day accordingly – for example, go for a walk in the evening or morning instead of at midday when it's too hot. Physically demanding activities can certainly wait until cooler times of day.

3. What to wear

You should wear light, loose-fitting and pale-coloured clothing that covers as much of your body as possible. This protects you from harmful sun rays while keeping you cool.

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

Avoid synthetic fibres 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 – because of the sweat. Summer arrives faster than expected, so prepare early!

4. Air out your house/flat

Open your doors and windows, but only when it's cooler outside than inside. That said, make sure no insects get in.

You can cool your rooms with damp towels hung in front of the windows or with a fan. It can get very warm quickly, especially in loft flats or ones facing south.

5. Switch off electrical appliances

PCs, televisions and other electrical appliances generate heat constantly, even in standby mode. That's why you should unplug these devices completely when they're not in use.

On hot days, it's better to charge your devices while you sleep.

6. Dry your washing outdoors...

...if you have a garden or a decent-sized balcony. Drying wet washing indoors increases humidity. Your body perceives this as hotter than dry air. Washing also dries faster outdoors in hot weather anyway.

7. Don't overeat

A large meal makes you tired and can make you sweat even more. It's better to spread several small meals throughout the day. As lengthy digestion can leave you feeling uncomfortable, you should avoid fatty meals. Light meals tend to taste better in summer anyway, as is usually the case with few exceptions.

8. Always think about sun protection

UV radiation increases the risk of skin cancer and premature skin ageing. Don't forget – your skin never forgets!

Sunscreen with a high SPF is essential whenever you go outside, no matter how cloudy it is. Especially at the swimming pool, you should reapply sun protection at least every two hours.

9. Cool breaks in Weimar

On really hot days, it can be sensible to take a break in an air-conditioned room now and then to cool down. This could be your own home, provided it has air conditioning or a cellar, or equally the library or the grocery shop.

10. Watch out with alcohol

You should avoid alcohol during the summer, as it has a dehydrating effect. If you do drink alcohol, make sure to order a glass of water with every alcoholic drink.

You should also bear in mind that alcohol generally makes you more careless: on top of that, everyone's lost track of time at some point while drinking.

11. Think of your fellow Weimar residents

You need to think of others too.

Hot weather can be genuinely dangerous for elderly people, those with chronic illnesses or young children: in daily life, watch out for vomiting, dizziness, headaches or nausea, as these are signs of heat exhaustion.

As soon as you notice these signs, help if you possibly can!

12. In cars

Don't leave your pets or children alone in parked cars: the temperature inside a car parked in the shade can rise by the minute, even on mild days!

Year after year, this issue is still dramatically played down and underestimated, sometimes even forgotten altogether. It's dangerous for both animals and people to be stuck inside a closed vehicle for too long on hot days, as the temperature can climb to very high levels in a short space of time.

More tips for the Weimar region

If you want to get through summer well and enjoy it, read and follow this advice. Here are a few shorter tips:

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

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

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

• Keep your blinds or curtains closed to keep the heat outside.

• Take a cold shower or bath before going to bed so you can sleep better.

• Avoid exercising in the heat, however hard that may be – except for swimming, of course.

In Weimar, these tips should help you get through summer well, especially at the Schwanseebad.

An ice cream is also a great idea, of course, especially if you can enjoy it sitting outdoors in the shade.

Stay cool and have fun!