The British Red Cross has urged Brits to visit shopping centres, supermarkets, and libraries to escape the heat as temperatures are set to peak on Wednesday. With the Met Office issuing Amber Extreme Heat Warnings from Monday through Thursday, and highs of 38°C expected, finding a cool space is vital for those struggling at home.
Public Spaces Offer Relief
The British Red Cross explained that public spaces like libraries, shopping centres, and supermarkets may be cooler than homes. They advise checking with local authorities for designated cool spaces. London City Hall has created a map of cool spaces, including the British Library and Golden Lane Community Centre, with amenities like free drinking water and air conditioning. Manchester City Council also lists cool spaces such as City Library and Didsbury Library, and suggests the Refill app for finding free drinking water.
Major shopping centres including The Trafford Centre, Westfield London, Battersea Power Station, Meadowhall, Bluewater, Trinity Leeds, Manchester Arndale, and East Kilbride offer indoor shelter. The British Red Cross urges only visiting these spaces if it is safe to do so.
