Summer in the Southern Hemisphere is awful for two reasons: heat and humidity. This lovely combination will have you questioning the “buenos aires” of Buenos Aires in no time. I must say that I was not at all prepared to be up at 4 a.m. simply because it is too hot to sleep. Buenos Aires has already gotten an “orange alert” as temperatures are rising to 34°C. That is H-O-T!
I am lucky enough to be writing this from an air conditioned room, but the thought of the errands that I need to get done, going home riding the flames of the subte, or just thinking about what’s going on outside gives me anxiety. The person who invented AC deserves a parade! We all dislike discomfort and with summer days like the ones we’ve been having, I had to give up on two very simple and small things in this world that I absolutely love- wearing black tights and not being sweaty.
To people who always complain about cold weather, you should know that you can always layer up to get warm. On the other hand, with hot humid weather, there’s only so much you can take off without getting arrested. And do not get fooled by the “cloudy” appearances of the days because with the humidity, you don’t even need to see the sun to start sweating once you walk a few blocks. Buenos Aires gets a streak of 4 days of miserable humidity and by the 5th day, the whole Río de La Plata is evaporated and a couple of hours of intense rain “refreshes” the city… haha, but not for long! The rain actually makes a mockery out of my hopes. But, luckily, I gathered a list of tips and tricks on how to survive the weather during your summer program in Buenos Aires. This comes from someone who is NOT good at coping with heat whatsoever. Hopefully you get something useful from what I am also learning about living in a furnace… I mean humid city:
1 – Drink lots of water
Never stop drinking… water! I guess this one is a given, we all should drink water constantly because dehydration is no joke. However, people actually pass out because of hot weather. But try to limit your alcohol, caffeine and sugary drinks intake as they can dehydrate you.
2 – Wear loose, breathable clothes
Cotton is your best friend! Keep the ooh-la-la satin, silk, or polyester sheets for cooler days. I want to announce the idea of going to the Barrio Chino (Chinatown) and get yourself a fashionable wooden, paper or plastic fan! One of our Mente participants, Emily, came up with this genius idea.
3 – Wear sunblock
If you are going to be outside, be sure to wear sunblock! Remember that even when the day looks cloudy, you are still being exposed to the sun’s harmful rays. Also, it is never a bad idea to use insect repellent, as mosquitoes love to feast on human flesh.
4 – Take cold shower
Take cold showers are your new BFF. I never in my life thought I would say this, but I’m already getting used to them. Look on the bright side… you just discovered a new way to find sweet relief in the comfort of your own home!
5 – Covet your air conditioning
Hot air rises, so when sleeping move your bed as close to the floor as possible. My AC is set up in a low corner of my room.. and if I stretch my arm out I can actually feel where the layer of warmer air begins. If you live in the top floor of an apartment building, you are in my deepest thoughts.
Sleeping alone is also a great way to stay cool. A partner increases body heat, making the bed feel like an actual sauna. I already told my boyfriend, “Baby, you may be single until next fall.”
6 – Conserve electricity to stay cool 
Turn off lights and unplug inactive devices. This will not only make you environmentally-friendly, but will save you from the heat that these devices give off. Take advantage of the natural light as much as possible. By doing so you will keep rooms cooler by using less electricity.
7 – Eat lighter (and cooler)
Beat the heat and use your time in a productive way! Instead of staying inside and doing nothing, why not taking a calm stroll around a place in the city? For example, walking down Av. Corrientes to check out the never-ending array of bookstores. Pick up your summer bibliography and pass the time reading something that interests you. Take your book to your favorite coffee shop (or better yet, ice cream shop) in the city, and spend hours reading while you take a sip from your green iced tea or while you taste a delicious dulce de leche ice cream cone. If books are not your thing, then catch up on the newest summer films and distract yourself from the humid reality while watching a fun movie!
9 – Remember that the heat is only temporary
Fall is eventually going to come, and calm cooler days will cease the heat waves. In the meantime, enjoy the summer!