The British Red Cross has warned Brits not to consume alcohol and caffeine during the current hot weather, as these drinks can impact health. Temperatures have remained high across much of the UK and are set to continue.
Why avoid alcohol and caffeine?
In hot weather, many people turn to certain drinks to cool down, but alcohol and caffeine can actually make it harder to cope with the heat. These drinks can interfere with sleep, which is already difficult during heatwaves due to the challenge of staying cool.
The British Red Cross advises limiting alcohol consumption, especially in the evening, as it causes poorer quality of sleep. Caffeinated drinks are diuretics that encourage fluid loss, risking dehydration and increasing body temperature.
Tips for better sleep in the heat
The British Red Cross added: "Hot weather can often mean your everyday routine goes out the window but, eating and going to bed later may affect the quality of sleep. Try to stick to your usual eating and bed times and keep the same night-time routine."
It also noted that the heat can make people feel more tired during the day because the body uses more energy to regulate internal temperature. Napping during the day is discouraged as it disrupts sleep patterns and makes it harder to fall asleep in the evening.
Latest weather forecast
Temperatures across much of the UK have remained above the heatwave threshold, with even higher temperatures expected. Highs of 35°C are forecast from Monday to Friday, according to the latest weather maps. Netweather data shows temperatures are expected to rise at the end of July, reaching 30°C in some areas of the West Midlands on Monday, July 27. The rest of the UK will remain in the high twenties at the beginning of the week, climbing above 30°C across next week.
The hottest day is expected to be on Thursday, with Berkshire forecast to reach 35°C. London and the home counties are predicted to see 34°C and 33°C elsewhere. A heatwave is a prolonged period of excessively hot and humid weather, lasting for three or more days.
Met Office deputy chief forecaster Greg Wolverson said: "Although there is a return to rain in the forecast, we have just come out of an exceptionally dry spell and the forecast rain is unlikely to be widespread or substantial. Many areas are likely to continue experiencing prevailing dry conditions for the foreseeable future, especially in southern England."
