Alert Issued by Germany's Meteorological Agency
Coping with Extreme Heat Stress in Aachen, Germany
As temperatures soar in Aachen, it's important to take precautions to stay cool, hydrated, and safe. Here are some key tips to help you navigate the heat:
Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water regularly, even if you do not feel thirsty. Aim to consume at least two liters of fluids, preferably mineral-rich drinks like water or tea, on hot days.
Avoid Direct Sunlight and Outdoor Activities
Try to limit your outdoor activities during peak heat hours, typically midday and early afternoon. Seek out shaded or air-conditioned environments indoors to help lower your body temperature.
Dress Appropriately
Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, and light-colored clothing to promote ventilation and reflect sunlight.
Use Cooling Methods
Use fans, damp cloths, or if possible, air conditioning or radiant cooling systems to reduce heat stress.
Limit Physical Exertion
Reduce physical exertion, especially strenuous exercise, during extreme heat days.
Manage Indoor Temperatures
Keep windows open in cooler hours (morning/evening) and closed during the hottest parts of the day to maintain indoor comfort.
Be Aware of Heat-Related Illnesses
Be attentive to signs of heat-related illnesses such as dizziness, headache, rapid heartbeat, and nausea, and seek medical help if needed.
In addition to these general tips, the city of Aachen has four networked drinking water fountains available in public spaces, accessible 24/7. In hot weather, free drinking water is also available at several administrative buildings of the city of Aachen and the Stadtregion during opening hours.
For more specific advice, you can subscribe to the newsletter "Heat Warnings" for your federal state or place of residence on the website www.hitzewarnungen.de or subscribe to the RSS feed for press releases on the website https://www.unsere-website.de/rss-feed-pressemitteilungen/rss.xml.
The German Weather Service has upgraded its official warning for Thursday, August 14, to "warning of extreme heat stress up to a height of 200m." For more information on the health effects of heat and useful tips, visit www.ourwebsite.de/hitze or www.stadteregion-ourwebsite.de/hitze.
Remember, older people and children are particularly affected by heat and need targeted attention. Protecting against ultraviolet radiation with appropriate clothing, a sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen is also important.
[1] Innovations in protective textiles and cooling technologies (like radiant cooling in hospital settings) can improve heat comfort and safety when available. [3] Source not provided.
- To stay informed about the upcoming extreme heat stress on August 14, subscribe to the weather-forecasting services provided by the German Weather Service.
- In hot weather, complement your heat coping strategies by utilizing innovative protective textiles and cooling technologies like radiant cooling systems, as they can further enhance your comfort and safety.
