From 00.00 to 24.00 How to survive hot days

dpa/mi

6.8.2018

A man enjoys the sun in warm temperatures on Lake Constance. If you live near a lake, you can count yourself lucky on hot days.
A man enjoys the sun in warm temperatures on Lake Constance. If you live near a lake, you can count yourself lucky on hot days.
(KEYSTONE/Gian Ehrenzeller)

The high temperatures are a problem for some people. But even really hot days can be survived quite well with a little preparation. These tips will help you from early to late.

The coming days are going to be hot. How can you survive the big heatwave? We give you tips for a day with temperatures well over 30 degrees in the shade.

4.00 am:

If you want to do something good for plants, you should get up particularly early on hot days. The ground is at its coolest before sunrise. But of course watering a few hours later still makes sense.

What about the evening? Then the soil is still warm from the sunshine throughout the day and a lot of moisture evaporates. However, if in doubt, it is better to water directly when plants are hanging their heads.

6.00 am:

You should air the room early in the morning, and not for too short a time. According to the North Rhine-Westphalia consumer advice center, walls, furniture and other objects store heat. If they cannot cool down in the morning, they release their heat into the room during the course of the day.

Windows should remain closed during the day. It also helps to darken the windows. If you have the choice, you should choose external shade providers such as roller shutters and awnings.

6.30 am:

A refreshing shower is part of the morning ritual for many people, especially after a sultry night. However, the skin is not so happy about it.

If you can't do without it, you should at least avoid using scented soaps and shower gels. It's best to simply take a warm shower without anything and apply a fragrance-free deodorant afterwards.

7.00 am:

On hot days, owners should not push their dogs too hard; it is usually enough to take them for a walk in the morning and evening. It makes sense to avoid the midday heat. You can also skip a visit to the dog school if the place is in the blazing sun.

8.00 am:

If you ride your e-bike to work in the morning, you should park your electric bike in as shady a place as possible. This is because excessive heat has a negative effect on the service life of the batteries over time. And before cyclists recharge the heated battery, it is better to let it cool down first.

11.00 am:

Drinking is the be-all and end-all in high summer temperatures. A cucumber and basil lemonade provides welcome refreshment.

Cucumber and basil lemonade

  • For four glasses, you need one peeled cucumber, 8 to 10 basil leaves, the juice of one lemon, 2 to 3 tablespoons of honey, mineral water and ice cubes.
  • Peel three quarters of the cucumber and puree finely in a blender.
  • Slice the remaining cucumber and divide between four glasses.
  • Squeeze the lemon, add the juice to the blender with the honey and basil leaves and puree again.
  • Then divide between four glasses and top up with fresh mineral water. Serve with ice cubes.

But be careful: drinks should not be too cold. The body then has to produce even more heat to balance out the temperature. Prof. Frank Kolligs, head physician for internal medicine and gastroenterology at Helios Klinikum Berlin-Buch, recommends lukewarm peppermint tea instead.

1.00 pm:

It helps to drink a lot to combat the heat in the office. Depending on the company, flexitime or a relaxed dress code can help. However, in most professions, the chance of getting the day off is rather slim.

2.00 pm:

Leaving your smartphone on the terrace in the heat? Not a good idea! Many electronic devices cannot tolerate high temperatures. In addition to the battery, other components can also be damaged. If the temperature is too high, the battery's safety devices can also be affected and battery fluids can leak out. This may damage the device and render the batteries unusable.

For this reason, it is better to store power banks and electronic devices away from sunlight and not leave them in a hot car in summer.

5.00 pm:

Phew, the day at the office or the shift on the production line is done. Good if you now have a car with air conditioning. But please don't get in and then "deep-freeze" the interior.

First of all, give the interior a good airing - this lets out the accumulated heat. And on short journeys at low speeds, such as in the city, drivers are better off opening the windows in summer. This is because air conditioning is useless over distances of just a few kilometers.

Otherwise, there should be no more than eight degrees difference between the outside temperature and the interior of the car. Otherwise there is a risk of catching a cold or cardiovascular problems.

19.00 hrs:

If it is too hot, you should refrain from mowing the lawn - not in general, but at certain times of the day. This is because the ground dries out far too quickly at temperatures above 30 degrees.

It is therefore better to do this work in the cooler evening hours. However, the legally prescribed rest periods must be observed.

20.00 hrs:

At a garden party or a nice get-together on the balcony: now a glass of wine or beer! But be careful: alcohol has a faster and more intense effect in hot weather. If you overdo it, you risk circulatory problems and even unconsciousness.

The high temperatures also dehydrate the body - you sweat. Alcohol causes the body to lose even more minerals. This can lead to heat stroke more easily.

23.00 hrs:

Dress airily: Put cotton, linen or silk nightwear (no synthetics!) in the fridge two hours before going to bed. Put on immediately before going to bed.

Sleeping naked is rather unfavorable - especially with an open window. If air passes over sweaty skin, there is a risk of tension, for example. At least a linen or cotton sheet as a blanket is recommended.

How hot can it actually be in the office?