Exams are over, vacation is just around the corner, festivals are coming up, and the Red Devils have games… There’s no shortage of reasons to celebrate this summer. And that’s a good thing.
But when temperatures rise above 30 or 35°C, drinking alcohol can have a much greater impact on our bodies than we might think—even in amounts that are usually well tolerated.
Why is alcohol riskier in hot weather?
During a heat wave, our bodies work constantly to maintain a temperature of around 37°C. They do this mainly by sweating more and dilating the blood vessels near the skin’s surface.
However, alcohol also acts as a vasodilator: it dilates blood vessels, amplifies the sensation of heat, and—most importantly—has a powerful diuretic effect. In practical terms, this means it causes you to urinate more frequently, accelerating the loss of water and minerals—which is already significant due to sweating.
The result: dehydration sets in more quickly and more severely, often without you realizing it, because the sensation of thirst can be masked or dulled by the alcohol itself.
Added to this is the fact that alcohol affects the brain’s thermoregulation: it disrupts the mechanisms that allow the body to detect overheating and respond appropriately. You may sometimes feel fine even though your body is already in distress.
Note: A 33 cl beer contains about 240 ml of water… but its diuretic effect leads to a net loss of fluids. In other words, drinking beer does not hydrate you.
Symptoms to Watch For
The combination of heat and alcohol can trigger a cascade of symptoms, which can quickly worsen if left unchecked:
- Dehydration — thirst, dry mouth, dark urine
- Dizziness and balance issues — exacerbated by the heat
- Headaches — often intense and long-lasting
- Sudden fatigue — the body is drawing on its last reserves
- Decreased alertness and coordination — the effects of alcohol are greatly amplified
- Nausea and vomiting — further exacerbating fluid loss
- Hypotension (low blood pressure) — risk of fainting
- Increased risk of accidents — on the road, in the water, or simply while moving around
In the most severe cases, heatstroke can occur—a medical emergency requiring immediate intervention (call 112).
The most vulnerable people—young children, the elderly, those taking medication, and pregnant women—are even more at risk from these combined dangers.
Alcohol and Water: What You Need to Know
To stay hydrated during a festive evening in hot weather, here are some helpful guidelines:
- For every glass of alcohol you drink, drink at least one glass of water at the same time
- Start the evening with a large glass of water, before drinking any alcohol
- Sweet cocktails and shots give the illusion of being less alcoholic—they’re not
- Soft drinks and energy drinks speed up the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream
- A glass of cool water (between 10 and 15°C) is absorbed more effectively than water that’s too cold
A few tips for enjoying the summer safely
- Always alternate between alcohol and water—don’t wait until you’re thirsty.
- Eat enough before and during celebrations—an empty stomach speeds up the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream.
- Avoid excessive drinking during the hottest hours of the day—between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., the risk is highest.
- Stay in the shade and seek cool places whenever possible.
- Avoid swimming after drinking alcohol—thermal shock and loss of coordination significantly increase the risk of drowning.
- Look out for your loved ones—someone who simply seems “tired” or “drunk” may actually be experiencing heat-related illness.
- Never drive after drinking alcohol—the effects are amplified by heat and fatigue.
How to Recognize an Emergency?
If you notice the following signs in yourself or someone else, call 112 immediately:
- Confusion, incoherent speech
- Very hot and dry skin (no sweating)
- High body temperature (> 39–40°C)
- Loss of consciousness or seizures
- Difficulty standing or speaking
While waiting for emergency help: move the person to a shaded or cool area, loosen their clothing, apply damp cloths to the back of the neck and underarms, and do not leave them alone.
A party is even better when it becomes a fond memory
Exam season is over—it’s time for festivals, barbecues, and Red Devils games… Make the most of these moments. The goal isn’t to stop yourself from celebrating, but to do so while keeping a few simple tips in mind.
Because a great night out is also one you’ll remember—and one from which you’ll recover without any ill effects the next morning.
💧 Stay hydrated—drink a glass of water for every glass of alcohol.
🌡️ Listen to your body—sudden fatigue, dizziness, and confusion are warning signs.
👀 Keep an eye on your loved ones—heat can strike quickly and silently.
🚗 Never drink and drive—ever, and especially not in extreme heat.
🚨 If in doubt, call 112.
Neutra – Your health is our priority.