After a week of strangely cool and wet weather, the D.C. heat has come back with a vengeance. Meteorologists are predicting temperatures over 90 degrees to finish out the week, including a blistering high of 95 on Thursday. If you’ve spent any time outside the last couple of days, you’ve probably already seen D.C. residents taking creative measures to beat the heat. With the help of Greatist and MedicineNet.com, we’ve compiled a list of 5 great ways to stay cool in the Washington heat this summer. Have your own advice for avoiding overheating? Let us know in the comments.
1. Adjust your workout regimen
In addition to being oppressively hot in the summer, D.C. is also a very fit city, full of runners, bikers and other people exercising outside. In order to avoid high temperatures, try scheduling your workouts for the cooler morning or evening hours, or, if that doesn’t fit that into your agenda, knock the last couple minutes off your run or bike ride.
2. Use a portable fan
Small, handheld fans are a great way to circulate air to cool you off when you’re in the metro or any other compact area. If you’re especially warm and don’t mind looking mildly ridiculous, you can also blow the fan over a cup of ice water to create a cooling mist. And the good news is that there’s no need to go out and buy a fan, because this Friday, June 12, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Honeywell Fans is giving away free portable fans at the National Mall.
3. Switch to a summer-friendly wardrobe
Ditch the tight-fitting jeans and synthetic fabrics for loose fitting, cotton clothes. These will be less abrasive on your skin and keep you cooler and more comfortable. And of course it is the season for seersucker.
4. Cater to your pulse points
Putting cold packs or cold compresses on your pulse points at the wrists, neck, elbows, ankles and behind the knees is a great way to cool down quickly. Because your blood vessels are so close to the surface of your skin at these areas, you can easily cool down your blood and body temperature.
5. Carry around a water bottle
This one is a bit of a no-brainer, but a lot of people seem to overlook the importance of hydration. Hydrating throughout the day with a water bottle is not only a good way to stay cool, but it provides your body with the water it needs to properly function.
