Heat and UV Protection
The number of summer and hot days in Kevelaer continues to rise.
The number of summer days in Kevelaer (days with maximum temperatures of 25 °C or higher) has risen from 26 days between 1951 and 1980 to 40 days between 1991 and 2020. The number of hot days (days with maximum temperatures of 30 °C or higher) has also increased significantly: from 4 days between 1951 and 1980 to 13 days per year from 1991 to 2020 (Source: Klimaatlas NRW).
When temperatures rise, things can quickly become uncomfortable—for your body, your circulation, and your mood.
To ensure that we can continue to enjoy city life even during the hot summer months, we need places where we’re happy to spend time despite rising temperatures—whether to relax, to step out of the office during our lunch break, on the way to school, while running errands, or when meeting up with friends and acquaintances.
Trees remain the ideal source of shade and, at the same time, a natural cooling system. There are just under 13,000 trees in our city—and that number is on the rise. But other places can also provide relief and coolness on hot days. To make these places visible and accessible, the pilgrimage town of Kevelaer has created a map of cool spots.
The map provides an overview of shaded areas, air-conditioned indoor spaces, drinking water fountains, and other ways to cool off.
Do you know of a place we haven't included yet? If so, feel free to write to us!
Cool places and water dispensers in Kevelaer
Are you looking for other places to get drinking water?
Then look for stores and establishments with the "Refill" stickers. There, you can have your own water bottle refilled with tap water for free. For more information on the Refill initiative in Kevelaer: www.stadtwerke-kevelaer.de/trinkwasser/refill-deutschland/
In addition to cool places to retreat to, knowing how to cope with the heat is also important. Our heat tips will help you get through hot days.
Our 10 Tips for Dealing with the Heat:
1. drink a lot - but drink properly
Water is your best friend right now. Drink regularly—even if you’re not thirsty. Water or unsweetened teas are best. Alcohol and sugary drinks? It’s best to avoid them; they cause your body to lose even more fluid. For a refreshing pick-me-up: Add slices of lemon, cucumber, or mint to your water—it tastes great and looks good! By the way: You can also get fresh drinking water for free at our public drinking fountains and at stores with the “Refill” sticker—for example, at Kapellenplatz, Peter-Plümpe-Platz, and in the Solegarten St. Jakob. Just fill up your bottle and you’re good to go!
2. Light meals—enjoy them the smart way
Heavy food in the heat? Not a good idea. Instead, opt for light, water-rich foods such as salads, melons, cucumbers or tomatoes. Not only are they refreshing, they are also good for your circulation. And to be honest: a little ice cream in between lifts your spirits and is a good idea!
3. Wear protective clothing
When out in the sun, always wear sun-protective clothing, sunglasses—and definitely a hat. This will protect your eyes, ears, neck, and face.
4. Apply sunscreen
Whether you're at the park, on the balcony, at the outdoor pool, or out and about in the city—protect yourself from direct sunlight. Use sunscreen with a high SPF. Keep in mind, however, that sunscreen does not mean you can stay in the sun indefinitely. It is not a substitute for shade, protective clothing, or avoiding intense sunlight. Use sunscreen primarily to protect areas of skin not covered by clothing.
5. Exercise? Yes, but with a plan
It’s best to schedule intense activities for the cooler hours of early morning or evening. Between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m., seek out the shade and take it easy. Your body will thank you for it.
6. Take Advantage of Cool Places
When it gets too hot outside: Take a break in air-conditioned buildings such as libraries, shopping centers, or cafés. Shady spots in parks or near bodies of water also offer welcome relief from the heat. Our recommendations include, for example, Kapellenplatz or the Way of the Cross in the heart of our pilgrimage town. That’s because shade reduces UV exposure by 50%.
7. How to Cool Down Your Apartment
Keep windows and curtains closed during the day to keep the heat outside. Then ventilate well in the early morning or late evening to let in fresh, cool air.
8. Changing Behaviors
For a long time, a tan was considered a sign of attractiveness and good health. This attitude can also influence the behavior of children and adolescents. Yet the dangers of UV radiation are often underestimated. By the time the skin turns red, some of the DNA has already been damaged by the radiation. Therefore, the rule is: the less UV radiation, the better. The UV Index from the Federal Office for Radiation Protection provides helpful guidance. Local UV displays, such as the one at the Kevelaer outdoor pool, also provide information on current UV levels and help people adjust their behavior accordingly.
9. Look out for one another
Heat can quickly become dangerous, especially for older people, children or people with pre-existing conditions. Check in regularly with your neighbors, friends or family members and look out for signs such as headaches, dizziness or confusion.
10. Staying Up to Date
Check the current weather conditions regularly—for example, on the German Weather Service (DWD) website. There you’ll find daily heat warnings and helpful tips on how to cope with extreme heat. Another helpful resource: Download the free NINA alert app from the Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance onto your smartphone. The app not only alerts you to heat warnings but also to many other important emergency situations in your area. In the pilgrimage town of Kevelaer, brochures with recommendations for heat protection and the Kleve district’s “heat alarms” are also available for free. The heat alerts are stickers for indoor use that change color when the room temperature reaches 28 °C or higher, alerting you to the elevated temperature.
Heat doesn't have to be a problem - if you know how to deal with it properly. With a little preparation and attention to ourselves and others, we can all get through the hot days better.
Stay cool and take care of yourself!