The German Weather Service (DWD) has issued a warning of severe heat stress for the next two days, Tuesday, August 12 and Wednesday, August 13.

Exposure to high temperatures, also known as heat, is a serious health risk for everyone. That is why correct behavior in hot weather is crucial. In the "Heat etiquette" of the Federal Environment Agency and on the website of the city of Aachen at www.aachen.de/hitze you can find a lot of information on the health effects of heat as well as useful tips or a "cool places" map.

A few specific rules of conduct can help you get through the hot days better:

• Pay particular attention to older people and children, who are particularly affected by the heat. They need special attention.
• Drink plenty on hot days, at least two liters. Drinks containing minerals, such as water or tea, are particularly suitable. Caffeine, drinks with lots of sugar and alcohol are best avoided. They dry out the body. Very cold drinks put a strain on the stomach and therefore the circulation.
• Eat a light diet, plenty of vegetables, salad and fruit rich in water. Avoid foods that are difficult to digest.
• Sport on hot days is better done in the early morning or later afternoon and evening hours. Avoid heavy physical exertion during the midday heat.
• Make sure you have adequate protection against ultraviolet radiation. The best sun protection is provided by suitable clothing, a sun hat and sunglasses. Skin that is not covered by clothing must be well rubbed with a sunscreen.
• Protect rooms from direct sunlight at an early stage. It is best to darken them with sun protection from outside to prevent them from heating up.
• Ventilate at night and in the early hours of the morning. Keep the windows closed when the temperature rises.
• Do not leave children and animals in the parked car, as it can heat up considerably.

All the information and tips are summarized again at www.aachen.de/hitze or on the website of the public health department www.staedteregion-aachen.de/hitze. Further helpful links can also be found there.

Free drinking water in Aachen

In hot weather, it is particularly important to drink enough water, even if you don't feel thirsty. Four administrative buildings of the City of Aachen and one of the StädteRegion offer free drinking water during opening hours. Simply bring a container with you and fill it up.

• City Library, Couvenstraße 15, 1st floor
  Tue, Wed and Fri, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Thu 12 p.m. - 7 p.m., Sat 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

• Administration building Bahnhofplatz, Hackländerstraße 1
  Mon - Thu, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Fri, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

• Katschhof administration building, Johannes-Paul-II.-Straße 1
  Mon - Thu, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Fri, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

• Administration building Am Marschiertor, Lagerhausstraße 20
  Mon - Thu, 6 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Fri 6 a.m. - 4 p.m.

• Administration building Mozartstraße 2-10
  Mon - Thu, 6 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Fri 6 a.m. - 4 p.m.

• Haus der StädteRegion, Zollernstraße 10
  Mon, Tue and Thu, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Wed, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Fri 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

The city of Aachen provides four networked drinking water fountains in public areas around the clock:

• at the entrance to the Elisengarten in Ursulinerstraße
• on the Münsterplatz (the so-called Möschebrunnen)
• in Alexanderstraße at the Hotmannspiefbrunnen fountain
• in Heinrich-Hollands-Straße in Aachen-Nord

Explanations of the DWD warnings

A "high heat load" warning is issued if the perceived temperature exceeds a certain value in the early afternoon. This is around 32 degrees Celcius, but can be slightly lower or higher depending on the situation. In addition, a slight cooling at night is also taken into account for this 1st warning level.

If it stays too warm at night (more than 20 degrees Celsius), the quality of sleep deteriorates. This additional stress makes it harder to bear the heat during the day.

If the perceived temperature exceeds 38 degrees Celcius in the early afternoon, there is a warning of "extreme heat stress" (2nd warning level).

You can subscribe to the "Heat Warnings" newsletter for your federal state or place of residence at www.hitzewarnungen.de.