The UK experienced its hottest ever day this year, with the mercury rising above 40C in some parts of the country.
Since then, another heatwave has swept the country, drying up rivers, scorching grass and leaving many of us desperate for some cooler weather.
Hot weather can affect us in all kinds of ways, from making us feel dizzy and tired to preventing us from sleeping properly at night.
If you’re looking for ways to stay cool when the next heatwave hits, here are the four tips you need to know.
What is a heatwave?
In the UK, the Met Office decides when a heatwave is officially declared.
This happens when an area of the country exceeds a set threshold temperature for three consecutive days.
This threshold varies from county to county, but in southern parts of the country it’s set at 27C.
Why are heatwaves happening more frequently?
There is scientific consensus that heatwaves are happening more frequently due to climate change.
Climate change is caused by a buildup of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere which trap heat and warm the planet, making heatwaves more likely to occur.
Tips for coping
Keep your clothing light
During a heatwave, it’s key to dress appropriately to avoid overheating.
You should opt for light, airy materials and styles. This might include women’s cropped trousers, shorts and sleeveless tops.
If you’re venturing out, you should also wear a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
Move elsewhere to sleep
Feeling too hot in your bedroom? One of the best ways to keep cool at night is to sleep elsewhere, preferably in a downstairs room which is likely to be cooler.
This will help you avoid tossing and turning during a heatwave.
Using a fan can also help, though be aware that fans can also lead to dehydration. You should be drinking plenty of water during a heatwave to avoid this.
Utilise your fridge freezer
It might sound – and feel – odd, but one way to make bedtime easier during a heatwave is to put your socks in the freezer to pop on before bedtime.
Cooling down your feet can help regulate your entire body temperature and keep you comfortable.
Be careful with windows
It might feel instinctive to open your windows when it’s hot, but this can actually make the temperature higher inside.
As a general rule, if the temperature outside is hotter than inside, you should keep your windows closed.
Keeping the blinds or curtains closed during the hottest part of the day can also help to keep indoor temperatures cool.
Stick to these tips, stay hydrated and you’ll be able to stay cool even when a heatwave hits.
