In a surprising twist to standard heatwave advice, households across England are being urged to dig out their winter hot water bottles for the coming days of extreme heat and humidity. Instead of boiling water, people are being told to fill them with ice water to stay cool.
Creative Coping Strategy Amid Severe Heatwave
The creative coping strategy comes as a severe heatwave grips the nation, prompting the Met Office to issue rare amber and red weather warnings for extreme heat. With temperatures in parts of England and Wales forecast to climb to an unprecedented 38C in places, utility networks are facing immense strain, and residents are seeking any possible relief from the stifling conditions.
While hot water bottles are traditionally synonymous with freezing winter nights, experts and consumer groups are advising the public that the rubber containers work just as effectively in reverse. The Express reports that by filling the bottles with cold water and placing them in the freezer for a few hours before bed, households can create a makeshift, long-lasting ice pack to help lower body temperatures and combat insomnia during tropical nights.
Health Officials Back Cost-Effective Hack
Health officials have backed the hack as a cost-effective alternative to running energy-intensive electric fans or air conditioning units all night, especially as utility networks experience peak summer demand. The surge in temperature has already triggered a massive spike in water consumption. South East Water, which supplies 2.3 million customers, reported pumping 644 million litres of treated water into its network on Sunday alone – 56 million litres above the typical June average. Because water companies are urging residents to curtail non-essential water usage, such as using hosepipes, pressure washers, or filling large domestic paddling pools, the hot water bottle method is being highlighted as a highly water-efficient way to cool down.
Safety Guidelines for Using Frozen Hot Water Bottles
For residents looking to utilise the method safely during the current heatwave, experts recommend the following guidelines:
- Only fill the bottle roughly two-thirds full to allow the water room to expand as it freezes, preventing the rubber from splitting.
- Always keep the bottle's fabric cover on, or wrap it in a towel, to avoid direct contact between the freezing rubber and bare skin, which can cause ice burns.
- Place the frozen bottle at the foot of the bed or against pulse points – such as the ankles, behind the knees, or the wrists – for the fastest cooling effect.
- If you plan on using it often for cooling, it's advised that you should have a separate bottle specifically for this and another for heating, as prolonged freezing may affect the material over time.
Rebecca Challinor at retailer Terrys added: "Whilst freezing your hot water bottle can be an effective way to have a better night’s sleep in hot weather, it’s advisable once you’ve done this to no longer use the same water bottle during the winter."
Continued Extreme Heat Prompts Safety Advice
With the extreme heat expected to last for several more days, emergency services are continuing to urge the public to stay hydrated, close blinds during the peak hours of the day, and check on vulnerable neighbours.
