How to Resist the Summer Heat in the City

The great heat in the city presents some aggravating factors, starting with the few spaces we have for shelter, both in terms of physical spaces and due to the commitments we have during the day. About We've shown you some tips for cooling your home, even without having to turn on the air conditioning. Now let's look at countermeasures in the city, when you go out.

Avoid peak heat hours

If possible, all errands, from grocery shopping to running errands, to any purchases that can't be postponed, should be done early in the morning or after sunset. Avoid going out during the midday hours (11:00 a.m. to 17:00 p.m.), when the sun is at its strongest and temperatures are certainly highest outdoors. The outside ambient temperature is at its maximum le 12 and 17 (often even later in cities) and the sun has already warmed streets, buildings and sidewalks, which continue to release heat even after the sun's peak. Meanwhile, at the same time, the body disperses heat worseWhen it's very hot, the body relies primarily on sweating to cool itself. If the air is very hot and humid, sweat evaporates less effectively and body temperature can rise. The combination of these two factors turns a trip out into the city during the hottest hours of the day into a real ordeal.

Parks and green areas

Take advantage of parks and green spaces for your walks, as the shade of trees lowers the perceived temperature compared to the scorching asphalt. The trees give shade, reduce direct exposure to the sun and lower the temperature of surrounding surfaces;vegetation freshens the air Through evapotranspiration, plants release water vapor and help cool the environment; grass, soil, and plants absorb and release less heat than concrete and asphalt, which continue to heat the environment even after sunset.

Climate shelters

The real novelty of these years are the climate shelters that are multiplying everywhere, on the model of the Spain, also in Italy. They are public places designed to offer relief during heatwaves, especially to those most exposed (the elderly, children, vulnerable people, or those living in very hot homes). Libraries, museums, civic centers, neighborhood houses, shaded gardens, and even parishes. We recommend that you inform yourself: your municipality's website, or a dedicated online page, will certainly have all the information on where to find climate-controlled shelters and their opening hours.

It may seem strange, but you can use the same logic to use supermarkets and shopping malls: they're ideal for a refreshing break if you're out and about in the city, and entry, even for a few minutes, is free, and you're not obligated to make any purchases.

Dress lightly and in natural fabrics

Choose loose-fitting clothing made of natural fibers like cotton and linen, light colors, and breathable shoes. Always carry a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen—all important, especially in cities where asphalt and concrete accumulate heat. Lightweight, breathable clothing allows sweat to evaporate more easily, and sweating is one of the body's primary mechanisms for cooling itself. Conversely, heavy or tight-fitting fabrics trap heat close to the skin and make it more difficult to cool down. Finally, loose-fitting clothing allows air to move between the body and the fabric, increasing the sensation of freshness.

Drink frequently

the body loses a lot of fluids through sweat and breathing and must replenish them to function properly. Water is essential for blood circulation, organ function, and body temperature regulation. In intense heat, the body can lose water rapidly, and the sensation of thirst can arise when you're already partially dehydrated, which can cause intense thirst, headaches, weakness, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating.

The advice, when walking in the city, is to always be equipped with a bottle of water or a flask.

Eat lightly Fruits rich in water (watermelon, melon, peaches), vegetables, yogurt, and lighter meals help you feel better. Light meals help during the heat because they allow the body to manage digestion better without excessively increasing the sensation of heat and fatigueDigestion naturally produces heat (called dietary thermogenesis); very large or fatty meals can make you feel heavier and hotter. And when it's hot, the body is already busy regulating its temperature, so large meals can increase tiredness and drowsiness.