Households in England are being advised to fill a hot water bottle with cold water from Friday, July 3, as temperatures are forecast to reach up to 27°C, with heatwave conditions expected next week. The unusual tip comes from the Royal Meteorological Society and heatwave experts as a way to cool down during warm nights.
Heat Health Alert Issued
A yellow heat health alert has been issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) covering the East Midlands, east of England, south-east and south-west England, including London, from 12pm on Saturday until 5pm on Wednesday. The alert warns of potential health impacts for vulnerable groups as temperatures rise.
According to the Met Office, temperatures will begin rising from Friday, reaching around 27°C in central parts of London and 25°C more widely across eastern and central England. Saturday is expected to be the hottest day of the weekend, with temperatures reaching around 28°C in parts of southern and eastern England, while northern and western areas remain much cooler in the mid-teens.
How to Use a Hot Water Bottle for Cooling
While the primary purpose of a hot water bottle is to keep you warm, it can also be used to achieve the opposite effect by filling it with cold water. Simply fill the bottle with ice-cold water and place it in your bed just before sleeping to cool down sheets and pillows. You can also hold it against your skin, but wrap it in a cover or tea towel to avoid direct contact.
For an even colder effect, fill the bottle halfway with cold water and place it in the freezer for no more than 20 minutes, as longer freezing can damage the rubber and cause it to burst when later filled with hot water. Heat-Treats, a hot water bottle retailer, advises: “It’s simple; just fill your bottle with iced water, ice cubes or crushed ice. The bottle acts in the same way in reverse; instead of releasing warm heat it emits refreshing cold.”
Expert-Backed Tips for Better Sleep
The Royal Meteorological Society also recommends putting your pillowcase, pyjamas, or a cold-water-filled hot water bottle in the freezer 20 minutes before bed. In its guidance, it states: “Stick your pillowcase, pyjamas or even a hot water bottle filled with cold water in the freezer 20 minutes before bed. This simple trick offers an instant cooling hit that can help you get to sleep faster - especially during those muggy tropical nights where temperatures don't drop below 20°C.”
The warm weather follows the warmest June on record for England, with average temperatures hitting 17.1°C, and the second warmest June for the UK overall. The last week of June saw temperatures topping 30°C in some areas during a scorching heatwave.
