UK households are being urged to shut their windows on Sunday to stay comfortable as hot weather arrives. According to the latest weather maps from WXCharts, temperatures are set to reach as high as 27C on Sunday, June 14, with the hottest conditions arriving in the late afternoon.
Why keeping windows shut helps
During the recent May heatwave, when temperatures soared past 30C in many parts of the country, many people struggled to sleep and remain cool. While some may instinctively open windows, experts advise a more strategic approach. The key is to let cool air in at night and keep hot air out during the day.
Sophie Graham, a Personal Finance Expert at Sunny, explains: "While opening windows may seem like an obvious solution, timing is important. Opening windows during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late evening, can help bring cooler air into the home. Making use of natural ventilation can help households stay comfortable without increasing electricity costs."
Practical tips for staying cool
- Open windows at night or early morning to let in cool air.
- Close windows before the afternoon heat peaks.
- Keep curtains, blinds, or shutters closed during the day to block direct sunlight.
This approach not only helps maintain a comfortable indoor temperature but also reduces reliance on electric fans, keeping energy bills down. Graham added: "One of the simplest ways to reduce indoor temperatures is to block direct sunlight from entering the home. Keeping curtains, blinds, or shutters closed can help prevent rooms from heating up throughout the day. This may reduce the temptation to rely on fans or other cooling appliances, helping households keep their energy usage and bills under control."
Where will it be hottest?
Weather maps indicate that areas in the South and East of England, including Norwich and London, will experience maximum temperatures of around 25C to 27C on Sunday. Independent forecasters have also warned that temperatures this summer are likely to be hotter than usual, partly due to the 'super' El Niño phenomenon, which is expected to push temperatures higher across the globe over the coming months.
