Temperatures across the UK have been soaring this week, with the heat forecast to continue from Monday. The Met Office predicts highs of 34C or beyond in some parts of the UK. An amber extreme heat warning will take effect for much of southern England and southeastern Wales from 1am on Monday until 23.59pm on Tuesday. The Met Office warns the hot spell could lead to adverse health effects, travel delays and possible power cuts.
The warning follows very warm weather on Sunday, with conditions expected to be warmer still over the following two days, reaching the mid-30Cs in some parts. Temperatures may remain above 20C overnight, particularly in urban areas.
Met Office Warns of Tropical Nights
Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Greg Wolverson said: “Temperatures will peak around the mid-30s Celsius on Monday and Tuesday. The humidity will also mean this feels close, warmer and more uncomfortable for many. Tropical nights – where the temperature doesn’t drop below 20C are also likely for some.”
With warm and humid weather forecast to last into next week, uncomfortably hot nights are in store as homes battle to stay cool. Most UK homes are designed to lock in warmth, and without air conditioning, cooling rooms quickly is often difficult.
Kitchen Item Hack: Bowl of Cold Water
A very simple, cost-effective solution involves putting a kitchen item on your windowsill: a bowl filled with cold water. According to energy experts, placing a bowl of cold water on windowsills or worktops close to an open window is a surprisingly effective and cheap way to cool the air inside a room.
Cold water absorbs heat from the air and turns it into vapour, lowering the overall air temperature. When placed in front of an open window, the breeze helps circulate this cold air into your home, cooling it down.
LEAP Energy Advice said: “Although it may seem peculiar, placing bowls of water around the house can aid in cooling the hot air. This simple technique can be surprisingly effective.”
Speed Up Cooling with Ice and a Fan
To speed up the cooling process, fill bowls with ice cubes instead of cold water and place it in front of a fan. LEAP added: “If you need to cool down quickly, try placing a bowl of ice and cold water in front of your fan’s blades. This will cause the air blowing from the fan to pass over the icy water, creating a refreshing sensation on your skin. It’s like having a homemade, DIY air-conditioner!”
Using a fan in combination with the bowl of water isn't essential, but you'll get better results with the breeze. Running a fan impacts energy bills, but it costs a fraction of an air conditioner, which can cost up to 40 times as much.
British Gas Backs the Tip
The tip is backed by British Gas as a low-cost way to keep your home cool. British Gas said: "While fans aren’t the most expensive appliance to run, using one is still likely to impact your fuel bills - but there are some things you can do to get the most out of the energy you’re paying for."
British Gas recommends: "To really cool down a room with a fan, place a deep dish of ice in the front of it to whip up the water mist and chill the breeze. You can also point a box fan out of an open window in the evenings – this pushes the hot air out instead of just blowing it around the room."
