Households across the UK are being urged to place bowls of water on their windowsills as temperatures are set to reach 33C on Monday, potentially breaking the all-time May temperature record of 32.8C.
The Met Office predicts glorious sunshine over the spring bank holiday weekend, with the heatwave peaking on Monday across southern England and the Midlands. However, some cloud and showers remain possible in parts of Northern Ireland and western Scotland.
Keeping homes cool in such conditions can be challenging, especially since most British homes are built to retain warmth. Energy specialists recommend a simple and budget-friendly solution: placing bowls of cold water around the house, such as on windowsills or worktops. The water absorbs heat from the air and turns it into vapour, reducing the overall temperature.
LEAP Energy Advice said: "Although it may seem peculiar, placing bowls of water around the house can aid in cooling the hot air. This simple technique can be surprisingly effective." The method works even better when the bowl is placed near an open window or in front of a fan, as the breeze helps circulate cooler air.
British Gas also endorses the tip, suggesting placing a deep dish of ice in front of a fan to create a DIY air-conditioner. While running a fan increases energy bills, it costs far less than operating an air conditioning unit, which can be up to 40 times more expensive.
