It is scorching hot and everyone is looking for ways to cool down. Inside can be just as warm as outside, especially without air conditioning. Students are measuring temperatures of 32 degrees and higher in their rooms. But they are finding ways to cope.
Here is what locals are doing:
- Putting fans by the window and hoping for a breeze
- Sitting outside in the shade during the day because it is actually cooler than indoors
- Taking a cold shower before bed to grab those precious 6 to 7 hours of sleep
- Jumping into the Maas river if you dare (but watch out for the warnings!)
Sport swimmers call it a treat to hit the open water in this weather. But authorities warn against swimming in rivers like the Maas. Currents and shipping traffic make it risky. Experienced swimmers say they assess the situation carefully, but for the average swimmer, caution is the way to go.
With weather forecasts showing more heat in the coming days, the hunt for cool spots will definitely continue. 🌡️💦
What most people do not realize is that while the Maas surface temperature rises quickly in tropical heat, the undercurrent stays cold. This temperature difference causes muscle cramps and is one of the biggest invisible dangers when swimming in open river water, even for experienced swimmers.
Source: Municipality
