Temperatures across the UK are soaring again, with the Met Office predicting highs of 34°C or above in certain regions. An amber extreme heat warning will come into effect across much of southern England and south-eastern Wales from 1am on Monday until 23.59pm on Tuesday. The Met Office cautions that the scorching conditions could result in serious health impacts, travel disruption and potential power outages.
Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Greg Wolverson said: "Temperatures will peak around the mid-30s Celsius on Monday and Tuesday. The humidity will also mean this feels close, warmer and more uncomfortable for many. Tropical nights - where the temperature doesn't drop below 20°C - are also likely for some."
Simple Kitchen Hack to Beat the Heat
With warm and humid conditions forecast to extend into next week, many households face uncomfortably stifling nights. Most UK properties are built to retain warmth, making it challenging to cool rooms without air conditioning. However, a remarkably straightforward and budget-friendly solution involves placing a common kitchen item on your windowsill: a bowl containing cold water.
Energy specialists suggest that positioning a bowl of cold water on windowsills or work surfaces near an open window is an unexpectedly efficient and inexpensive method to reduce room temperature. The science behind this is that cold water draws heat from the surrounding air and converts it into vapour, subsequently lowering the overall room temperature. When positioned before an open window, the natural breeze assists in distributing this cooler air throughout your home.
Expert Endorsement and Tips
LEAP Energy Advice stated: "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." To accelerate the cooling effect, fill bowls with ice cubes instead of cold water and position them before a fan if available. LEAP added: "If you need to cool down quickly, try placing a bowl of ice and cold water in front of your fan's blades. This will cause the air blowing from the fan to pass over the icy water, creating a refreshing sensation on your skin. It's like having a homemade, DIY air-conditioner!"
Combining a fan with the bowl of water isn't necessary, as the water alone can help reduce air temperature, but superior results are achieved with airflow. Operating a fan affects energy costs, but it represents a tiny fraction compared to running an air conditioning unit, which can cost up to 40 times more.
Support from British Gas
This advice is supported by leading energy provider British Gas as an affordable method to maintain a comfortable temperature at home during warmer weather. British Gas stated: "While fans aren't the most expensive appliance to run, using one is still likely to impact your fuel bills - but there are some things you can do to get the most out of the energy you're paying for. To really cool down a room with a fan, place a deep dish of ice in the front of it to whip up the water mist and chill the breeze. You can also point a box fan out of an open window in the evenings - this pushes the hot air out instead of just blowing it around the room."
