The UK is bracing for record-breaking temperatures on Wednesday and Thursday, with a rare red weather warning for extreme heat coming into force for parts of England and Wales from 9am on Wednesday until 9pm the following day. Temperatures are forecast to reach up to 40C, beating the current June all-time record of 35.6C, set in 1976.
Electric Fans: Not the Answer
Many people instinctively reach for electric fans to keep cool, but that might not be the smartest decision. Electric fans don't actually reduce a room's temperature; they merely circulate the air. While it might feel refreshing to have one blowing directly at you, the room remains as hot as before. The government's own heatwave plan states that electric fans only work effectively in temperatures under 35C.
Britain is not well-equipped to deal with soaring temperatures. Homes are typically designed to retain heat with heavy-duty bricks, insulation, double or triple glazing, and thick roof tiles. Furthermore, most UK homes lack air conditioning units.
Government Advice for Staying Cool
The government has shared a series of suggestions to help the public get through the next few days:
- Avoid the sun when it is strongest, typically between 11am and 3pm. If you do have to go outdoors, apply high protection sunscreen regularly, wear a wide-brimmed hat and seek shade.
- Keep your home cool: keep windows and curtains closed in rooms that face the sun during the day. Open windows (if it is safe to) when the air feels cooler outside than inside, for example at night, and try to get air flowing through your home.
- Limit any strenuous physical activity, or plan physical activity for times of the day when it is cooler, like the early morning or evening.
- Avoid hot, closed spaces like stationary cars.
- Wear loose, light-coloured clothing made from breathable natural fabrics such as cotton or linen. Dark colours and synthetic materials absorb and trap heat.
- Stay hydrated throughout the day, not only when thirsty. If sweating heavily, consider rehydration drinks to replace lost electrolytes. Limit caffeine and alcohol, which contribute to dehydration.
- Spray or sponge your skin with cool water. Cold packs wrapped in a cloth and put under the armpits or on the neck can also help.
- Turn off non-essential electronics. TV, laptops and chargers generate heat.
Red Warning and Health Risks
While Met Office forecasters have issued a rare red weather warning for Wednesday and Thursday in the face of the extreme heat and humidity, a red heat health alert has also been issued in England indicating "a risk to life for even the healthy population". It is very important to check on family, friends and neighbours who may be at higher risk of becoming unwell, and if you are at higher risk, ask them to do the same for you.
