UK Heatwave: Creative Ways to Stay Cool

DIY Hacks to Beat the Heat

As the UK swelters through scorching June nights, many are seeking creative ways to stay cool. While some stick to tried-and-true methods like blackout curtains, others are getting inventive.

Bethan Earley, from Rugby, uses foil blankets on her windows, keeping the house cooler for longer.

John Turbefield, from Chichester, has a unique approach: white bed sheets and survival blankets on windows to reflect heat. He also freezes large water bottles for his fans, a patient process.

The UK Health Security Agency advises opening windows when it’s cooler outside and turning off heat-generating electronics.

Staying Cool, Staying Healthy

For some, staying cool is a health necessity. Stephanie Reed, from Chorley, wets a towel for her feet to regulate her body temperature, crucial as extreme heat triggers her epilepsy.

She also freezes her daughter’s bedsheet for a cool bedtime.

Gordon Cooper, from High Wycombe, hangs a wet bath towel in his bedroom with a fan nearby for a refreshing breeze.

Creative Sleep Solutions

Anabelle Holschuh, from London, found her attic bedroom unbearable, opting to sleep on the hallway floor during the last heatwave. This time, she’s on the living room sofa, a north-facing room with tall ceilings and a fan.

Kitchen Innovations

Aimee Ludgate, from Bradford, avoids the oven and hob, using her air fryer for meals, even boiling eggs and cooking steak.

Dietitian Kate Hilton recommends hydrating foods like cucumber, tomatoes, melon, and frozen smoothies. She suggests berries, peaches, and citrus fruits, and freezing fruit juice or smoothies as ice pops for kids.

Alcohol and caffeine can be dehydrating, so moderation is key.

Working From Home in the Heat

Oren Brown, from County Durham, has moved his office downstairs, escaping the stifling heat upstairs.

Gillian Cooley, near Peterborough, works in her bedroom, the coolest room in her house, and now in the cooler evenings.

Dressing for the Weather

Jess Jepson, from Manchester, opts for loose, light clothing in pale colours, keeping cool and comfortable. She also keeps her hair off her face with a claw clip.

Stylist Chantelle Znideric recommends natural fibres like cotton and linen for breathability, avoiding silky synthetics that trap heat.

Pet Care and Daily Routines

Annie Smith, from St Albans, has adjusted her routine for her dachshunds, walking them early and keeping them cool with vests and chilled food.

She and her husband aim to finish chores before 10 am to stay cool during the day.

Helena Kandzialka, from Hampshire, sits outside in the shade, enjoying the breeze and avoiding the heat indoors.

How are you keeping cool in the heatwave? Share your tips and stay safe in the sun.