The British Red Cross has issued guidance on foods that can help Brits stay cool during the current heatwave, which has brought record-breaking temperatures to the UK. Wednesday was the hottest June day on record at 36.1°C, and Thursday could reach 38°C. Hundreds of schools have closed, and train services have been delayed or cancelled. The Met Office has issued a rare red heat alert for much of southern and central England and Wales, in force from 9am Wednesday until late Thursday night, with an amber warning covering much of England and Wales for Friday and Saturday.
Four Foods Recommended by the Red Cross
The British Red Cross advises eating light, well-balanced, regular meals during hot weather. Specifically, it recommends foods with high water content to aid hydration. These include strawberries, cucumber, celery, and lettuce. According to the Red Cross: "Food with a high water content, like strawberries, cucumber, celery, and lettuce, will also help to keep you hydrated and cool in summer weather."
Foods and Drinks to Avoid
The Red Cross warns against consuming alcohol and caffeine during the heatwave. Alcohol can interfere with sleep quality, while caffeinated drinks act as diuretics, encouraging fluid loss and increasing body temperature. The Red Cross stated: "Alcohol often goes hand in hand with sunny weather but, it is advised to limit consumption especially in the evening but causes poorer quality of sleep. Caffeinated drinks are diuretics and may encourage your body to lose fluids, risking dehydration as well as increase your body temperatures."
Met Office Warning on Extreme Heat
The Met Office has described the heat and humidity as "oppressive," warning of impacts on public health, infrastructure, power, and water supplies. Chief Forecaster Matthew Lehnert said: "This is exceptional heat for June with temperature records expected to be broken this week. Red warnings are reserved for the most severe events, and we’re expecting significant impacts from this heatwave, with health issues likely, even beyond those who are more vulnerable to the heat. High humidity is an additional factor for this heatwave, which will mean the heat will feel much more potent for many. When you couple all of this with the high overnight temperatures, with temperatures likely to stay above 20°C for large parts of England and Wales, these combined impacts all increase the potential for significant impacts."
