With temperatures set to soar across the UK this weekend, reaching up to 33C in some areas, many Britons are seeking ways to keep their homes cool. Experts have provided guidance on which window to open for maximum effect, but there is a catch.
Southern England could reach 30C on Friday, June 19, 32C on Sunday, and potentially 33C by Monday. As the mercury rises, keeping indoor temperatures comfortable becomes a challenge.
The Best Window to Open
According to Mikey Story of UK Flat Roofing & Insulation Specialists, the loft window is the best choice for multi-storey homes. He explains that the second storey is often the warmest because hot air rises. Opening the loft window allows hot air to escape through the highest point of the house, lowering the temperature throughout.
Story told Grand Designs Magazine: "Opening your loft hatch can help you cool down your entire home significantly. The second floor is usually the warmest area because hot air rises. So, creating an escape route for this heat can help lower the temperature throughout the house. If your loft has a window, opening it allows warm air to exit through the highest point of the house. Especially if you also open other windows to promote airflow. This method works best if your loft is insulated between the rafters."
What If You Don't Have a Loft Window?
For single-storey homes or those without a loft window, experts suggest using a fan strategically. Instead of pointing it at yourself, point it out of an open window. The experts at Which? explain: "If it's cooler outside than inside, try pointing your fan out of an open window instead of directly at you. Fans don't cool the air, they move it, so this can help push hot air out of the room and draw cooler air in through other windows or gaps."
Met Office Warning
The Met Office has warned of significantly warmer temperatures over the coming days as summer kicks in. Deputy Chief Forecast Gregory Wolverson said: "As we move towards the weekend, we'll see conditions become more widely settled and temperatures rise all round. Many parts of southern and eastern England are likely to see temperatures high enough to meet heatwave thresholds. It's important to note that while temperatures may be high, we might not all see the wall-to-wall sunshine and blue skies we experienced back in May because there is more cloud around. There is also a chance of thunderstorms developing in places, particularly later each day, which could bring heavy showers and localised impacts."
