Ahead of the summer of 2026, there is increasing discussion about the possibility of a very dry and hot summer. While weather cannot be predicted with complete certainty far in advance, it is worth preparing for hot weather before temperatures rise to uncomfortable levels. This is especially important for families with young children, elderly people, people with chronic health conditions, or pets.

Hot weather means more than just high temperatures. It can bring health risks, water shortages, increased fire danger, difficulties keeping homes cool, and inconveniences while travelling. Proper preparation can help avoid situations where solutions have to be found at the last minute, when shops have already run out of air conditioners, fans, or sun protection products.

What Does Hot Weather Mean in Estonia?

At first, hot weather in Estonia may seem pleasant, especially after a long and cool winter. Problems arise when high temperatures continue for several days in a row and the nights do not provide sufficient cooling. In such situations, the body no longer has enough time to recover.

Heat affects young children, elderly people, pregnant women, people with heart and blood pressure problems, and those who perform physical work outdoors the most. Pets also require special attention, as they cannot get water from a tap or move to a cooler place on their own if such an option is not available.

When preparing for hot weather, it is worth considering three things: personal health, cooling your home, and unexpected expenses.

How to Prepare Your Home for Hot Weather?

The most important thing is to prevent heat from entering your home. Once an apartment or house has become hot, it is much more difficult to cool it down.

During the day, it is advisable to keep windows and curtains closed, especially on the sunny side of the building. Ventilation is best done early in the morning, late in the evening, or at night when temperatures are lower. If your home has large windows, blackout curtains, blinds, or window films that reduce the impact of sunlight can be helpful.

A fan may provide temporary relief, but during very hot weather it may not be enough on its own. If your home regularly becomes too hot during summer, it may be worth considering a portable air conditioner or a more permanent cooling solution. This may be especially important in top-floor apartments, homes with south-facing windows, or poorly insulated buildings.

It is also worth checking your water supply. During dry periods, water consumption may increase at home, in the garden, or at a summer cottage. If you use well water, it is worth considering whether your supply is sufficient and how water can be used more efficiently.

What Should You Stock Up on Before Hot Weather Arrives?

During hot weather, it is not wise to leave all purchases until the last moment. It is advisable to have the following at home:

• an adequate supply of drinking water;
• mineral water or electrolytes for periods of increased sweating;
• sunscreen;
• hats and lightweight, light-coloured clothing;
• a fan or another cooling device;
• thermal curtains or blackout blinds;
• a reusable water bottle;
• cooling towels or ice packs;
• first-aid supplies;
• an extra water bowl and a cool resting place for pets.

If there are young children in the household, keep in mind that heat affects them more quickly than adults. A stroller should not be covered with a thick blanket or cloth, as this can make the temperature inside even higher. It is better to use a breathable sunshade and regularly check whether the child is too hot.

Garden, Summer Cottage and Fire Risk

A dry and hot summer means an increased risk of fire. This is especially relevant for people who own a summer cottage, country home, terrace, barbecue area, or large garden.

During drought periods, extra caution should be taken when lighting bonfires, grilling, or disposing of cigarette butts. Dry grass, hay, peat, and forest areas can catch fire very quickly. It is also important not to leave glass bottles or other litter in nature, as they may concentrate sunlight and increase fire risk.

Water should be used wisely in the garden. Plants should be watered early in the morning or late in the evening rather than during the midday heat. Mulching helps retain moisture in the soil and reduces the need for watering. If your garden contains young trees, berry bushes, or newly planted vegetation, they may require special attention during hot weather.

Hot Weather and Your Car

During hot weather, a car can become dangerously hot very quickly. Never leave a child, elderly person, or pet inside a vehicle, even for a few minutes. The interior temperature of a car parked in direct sunlight can rise rapidly, and a partially open window offers very little protection.

When travelling longer distances, it is advisable to bring sufficient drinking water, sun protection, a charger, light snacks, and any necessary medication. If travelling with children, plan for more breaks and, if possible, avoid long journeys during the hottest part of the day.

Before summer begins, it is also worth checking your car’s air conditioning system, tyre pressure, and cooling system. This is particularly important if you are planning a road trip in Europe, as temperatures in Southern Europe may be much higher than what people in Estonia are used to.

Consider Hot Weather When Travelling in Europe

If you are planning to travel in Europe during the summer of 2026, it is worth considering hot weather already when planning your trip. In recent years, hot and dry periods have affected many popular destinations, including Spain, Italy, Greece, Portugal, France, and Croatia.

When booking accommodation, it is worth checking whether air conditioning is available. This is no longer simply a comfort feature — during periods of extreme heat, it can be very important. Particular caution should be taken in historic city centres, where stone buildings and narrow streets can become extremely hot by evening.

It is advisable to plan your daily schedule so that more active activities take place in the morning or evening. The middle of the day is better suited for resting, staying in the shade, or spending time indoors. If you are travelling with children, avoid planning an overly busy itinerary, as heat causes fatigue more quickly and can make even a short walk exhausting.

What Should You Pack for Your Trip?

When preparing for hot weather in Europe, it is worth packing:

• a reusable water bottle;
• sunscreen;
• a hat or cap;
• sunglasses;
• lightweight, light-coloured clothing;
• comfortable footwear;
• a cooling towel or small handheld fan;
• medication and first-aid supplies;
• travel insurance information;
• a charger and power bank.

Before travelling, it is important to check local weather warnings and travel advisories. If your destination has a very high fire risk, hiking trails, national parks, or certain outdoor activities may be restricted. During periods of extreme heat, public transport schedules, attraction opening hours, and event arrangements may also change.

Hot Weather Can Mean Unexpected Expenses

Preparing for a hot and dry summer may involve expenses that were not previously anticipated. For example, you may need an air conditioner, a fan, window coverings, a home cooling solution, a garden irrigation system, a water tank, vehicle maintenance, or travel equipment.

If these expenses arise at the same time and there is not enough room in the family budget, a Laen.ee Small Loan may help spread the cost of necessary purchases over a longer period. A Small Loan can be suitable for a home cooling solution, summer cottage preparations, travel equipment, or unexpected summer expenses.

Preparing for hot weather does not mean panicking. It simply means thinking ahead about your home, family, travel plans, and budget for the summer. This allows you to enjoy hot weather more safely and with greater peace of mind — both in Estonia and while travelling across Europe.