British Gas is urging households in England to use dehumidifiers to beat the heat as scorching conditions are expected to return before the weekend. The Met Office predicts temperatures could rise into the high twenties on Thursday and reach 30C in parts of England by Friday, June 19, though other areas may experience thunderstorms instead.
How to Keep Cool in Hot Weather
When warm weather returns, households often try various methods, from fans to hot water bottles, to alleviate the heat, especially in stuffy, insulated British homes. According to British Gas, a dehumidifier can be an effective tool to cool down rooms. While financial guru Martin Lewis often highlights dehumidifiers in winter for drying clothes cheaply, British Gas notes they are not just for cold months.
Expert Advice from British Gas
British Gas Smart Energy Engineer Jessica Rawstron explains: "We may take hot showers out of habit, but it's worth turning the temperature down during a heatwave. A tepid shower can help keep your body cool, save energy, and lower bills. Avoid very cold water, as it can shut down blood flow to the skin and trap heat in the body."
She adds: "After a shower, wear loose, lightweight clothing made of natural fibres like cotton and linen to regulate temperature. During the day, use an ice pack, chilled hot water bottle, or cold cloth on your wrists and feet for instant cooling. Wrap them in a towel to prevent ice burns. If it's stuffy indoors, consider a dehumidifier to pull moisture from the air and let your skin breathe better."
Met Office Forecast
The Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster, Tom Crabtree, said: "This week's contrasting weather—heat, rain, and potential thunderstorms—results from a low pressure system from the northwest. A southerly flow stalls a front over the west while allowing temperatures to build in the southeast. Friday is set to be the warmest day, with temperatures ranging from 26 to 28°C, potentially approaching 30°C in parts of southeast England. Elsewhere, temperatures will be closer to average but warm at times in Wales and the west Midlands. The weekend picture will become clearer closer to the time."
