How to stand against high temperatures

25 Jun, 2026

I've been reading about the heatwave in Europe and I'd like to point out some things we do in warmer countries to keep everything livable without relying on a/c. I posted about this once on cohost [RIP] and it got a bit popular, so I think it can help some people out there if I post it again. For context, I'm from a Brazilian city where it's 30ºC almost year-round, day and night (except in winter, when it drops below 10ºC for a few weeks), but I've lived in Europe for 8 years and dealt with the heatwaves there, including some that got to the 40ºC range.

So, here are the tips:

• Cover your windows during the day. From the outside, preferably. Don't let the sun hit the glass and then hit inside, or it will turn your home into an oven. Windows in the shade, facing away from the sun, can even be left open to create an air flow if the wind outside is not warm.
• Open your windows at night, when the temperature drops. This also brings fresh air inside.
• If it's too hot, put a cold compress (or a towel draped around ice cubes) on your head or the back of your neck. The insides of your wrists are a good place too.
• Take frequent showers (there's a reason, beyond extreme good hygiene, why Brazilians take multiple showers a day) to lower your body temperature, and let your body dry naturally (or sit in front of a fan). I know the water in Europe generally has a lot of sediments that can cause dry skin, but there are filters easy to install for that.
• Use fans to create air currents in enclosed spaces. If you're sweating a lot, point it to you to help evaporate the sweat and lower your body temperature.
• If it's too humid, sweat will not evaporate and your body will not cool down, so dry yourself frequently in whatever way you can. If you're in an enclosed space without natural air flow, a dehumidifier turned on can go a long way. A fan can help too, as long as you stay in front of it.
• STAY OUT OF THE SUN.¹ Even if you're in a cold body of water, stay out of the sun. If you're in an open field, use an umbrella to create a shade for yourself (some even are UV-graded).
• Always wear sunscreen when going outside. This will not only protect your skin, but it also reflects a bit of the heat away instead of letting your skin absorb it. And apply it to every exposed body part, not only to your face. And yes, that includes your hands.
• Drink cool beverages in the shade. Avoid alcohol (at least, avoid drinking too much of it).
• Drink water. Always.
• Wear clothes made of natural fibers, as they have better airflow and let your skin "breathe". They usually are better at reflecting heat, and can also absorb sweat, which is good.
• If you absolutely need (or want) to go outside, don't do it while the sun is overhead, wait until it's down a bit. The time will change with your latitude, but weather apps usually have the UV index for different hours of the day, and the lower it is, the better.

When it's hot like this, the sun is your worst enemy, so standing in open fields or places will not help in any way unless you're in the shade and drinking water. Meanwhile, your home, having thermal insulation (something common in a lot of buildings in Europe), is a great place to be as long you can avoid letting the sun heat it up. Glass windows without any cover are your worst enemies when staying inside. Remember: thermal insulation works both ways, so it keeps the home warm during winter, and it can keep it cool during summer. Take advantage of that.

#rambling #weather