The UK is currently experiencing one of the hottest summers on record, with temperatures topping 30 degrees in many parts of the country. While this has brought some welcome sunshine and pleasant weather, it has also meant that the UK has been beset by a range of heat-related health problems.
This has included the highest number of hospital admissions for heatstroke in over a decade, and the deaths of dozens of animals and plants in the heat. It has also meant that many parts of the country have experienced supply shortages and price inflation due to the heat.
The scorching temperatures have caused some power cuts, and have made it tough to keep cool. But there are some ways you can keep cool when the heat gets too much. In this blog, I’ll show you some tips on how to survive the heatwave.
Tips on How To Stay Cool When Temperatures Soar
1) Stay out of the sun
If at all possible, avoid being in direct sunlight between 11 am and 3 pm. If you have access to the cool interior of a building, avoid the heat of the day by staying inside. If, unfortunately, you have to go outside, make sure to put on sunscreen, wear a hat, and try to stay in shady areas.
2) Stay hydrated
A summer barbecue or picnic may seem like a great idea, but it is recommended that you skip the alcohol on very hot days and only drink water and other hydrating drinks. Alcohol has the ability to dehydrate you, so it is better to opt for a glass of ice water or chilled soft drinks.
3) Hang damp towels in the room
By wetting a towel and hanging it in your room, you will help to cool down the room as the water evaporates into the air, cooling down the air. Just note, this might slightly increase the humidity in the room - but it sure beats being outside in the scorching sun.
4) Put your clothes in the freezer
There is nothing better than putting on some cool pajamas, or resting your head on a cool pillowcase, while it is sweltering outside.Putting your clothes in the freezer for a few hours before wearing it will be a blessing as you get ready to head outside (or simply relax inside).
5) Keep your windows closed
This might seem counter-intuitive as you want a breeze to flow through your home, but by keeping your windows closed you are also trapping the cool air inside. During the night you can open the windows when it is cooler outside for some ventilation and a fresh breeze.
6) Stay down low
We all learned in school that hot air rises - and this means that if you live in a double-storey home, your top floor will probably be hotter than downstairs. If you want to stay cooler at night, rather sleep downstairs, and avoid going upstairs during the heat of the day.
Final Thoughts
Summer won't be around forever, but for now it is a challenge to deal with temperatures in the 40s. Luckily there are some simple things at home that you can do to keep yourself cool and sit out this heatwave.
