With the UK set for a scorching bank holiday weekend, experts have issued a reminder of one way to keep homes cool. Forecasts suggest that from Friday, some Brits across the country could be basking in temperatures of up to 33C.
A British Gas engineer claims that simple habit changes, such as keeping windows closed throughout the day, can dramatically lower indoor temperatures during heatwaves. Peter Knowles, a service and repair engineer at British Gas, said: "We all know how frustrating it is when our homes are hot and stuffy.
"The good news is that there are some practical steps that households can take to help keep inside temperatures down during the summer months." One tip Peter offered was to save cooking and laundry for the cooler parts of the day.
He said: "Using ovens, hobs, tumble dryers and washing machines during the coolest parts of the day prevents adding extra heat when temperatures peak. Batch cook early morning or late evening, air-dry laundry outdoors where possible, and embrace lighter meals that don't require cooking during the hottest hours."
The hottest periods of the day typically fall between 11am and 3pm. Temperatures tend to climb and UV levels reach their most intense peak during this time. Using the oven adds extra heat to rooms.
The coolest part of the day typically occurs before, or within an hour after, sunrise. To check the exact sunrise times and temperature shifts in your local area, you can visit the Met Office. The NHS and the Met Office both endorse guidance that people should safeguard themselves as effectively as possible during these hours of the day.
The NHS said: "Spend time in the shade when the sun is strongest. In the UK, this is between 11am and 3pm from March to October. You can also check the UV index on a weather app or website. If it's three or higher, consider protecting your skin."
The Met Office said: "Try to avoid the hottest part of the day (11am to 3pm) and seek shade where possible. Avoid being in the sun for long stretches. Wear lightweight, light-coloured, high-factor sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat."
Skip using tumble dryers and washing machines to cut down on extra heat from appliances. The NHS adds that everyone should be conscious of sun safety, with certain people needing extra precautions in the sun. These include those who: have pale, white or light brown skin; have freckles or red or fair hair; have light coloured eyes; tend to burn rather than tan; have many moles; have skin problems related to a medical condition; are only exposed to intense sun occasionally (for example, while on holiday); are in a hot country where the sun is particularly intense; have a family history of skin cancer.
Looking ahead to the weekend, Met Office deputy chief forecaster Steve Kocher said: "Temperatures will climb through the weekend, especially in the south, where 30C is likely to be recorded on Saturday and 32C on Sunday. Temperatures are forecast to peak on Monday when we could see 33C recorded in southern England and the Midlands."
"It is likely that the May and Spring UK temperature records will be broken over the Bank Holiday weekend, with forecast temperatures surpassing the existing record of 32.8C. As well as it being hot, there will be lots of dry and sunny weather for much of the UK."
"There will, however, be more cloud and some showers in Northern Ireland and western Scotland through the weekend. With relatively low sea surface temperatures, there is also likely to be some low cloud and sea fog clinging closely to western coasts."
