UK Heatwave: Temperatures Could Reach 35°C
The Met Office has warned that parts of the UK could see temperatures as high as 35 degrees Celsius later this week, as the latest summer heatwave arrives. An amber alert for extreme heat has been issued for the West Midlands, East Midlands, East of England, South East, and South West, running from 9am on Wednesday, July 8, until 9pm on Sunday, July 12. The alert indicates a 'likely' risk of death for vulnerable groups and a greater chance of water-related incidents.
Met Office deputy chief forecaster Steven Keates urged people to 'take the usual precautions with the heat and the sun.' He noted that while this is the third heatwave of the year, it is not expected to be record-breaking, though parts of southern England could see several days in the low 30s, with a few places reaching 34 to 35 degrees later this week. The Met Office also warned of potential 'tropical nights' where temperatures will not fall below 20 degrees.
Tips from a Former Australia Resident
A woman who previously lived in Australia, where summer temperatures regularly hit the mid-30s and sometimes surpass 40 degrees, has shared practical advice on staying cool. Known as thedeclutteringmum on TikTok, where she has nearly 2,000 followers, she posted a video outlining several tips. 'Here are a few tips for staying cool in the very hot weather from someone who used to live in Australia and has travelled extensively in very hot parts of the world,' she said.
Window and Blind Management
Her first tip is to shut all windows, blinds, and curtains as soon as the temperature outside becomes hotter than inside, typically around 8 or 9 o'clock in the morning. 'This is because it's gonna get hotter outside. It will stay much cooler if you deflect any sunshine that's gonna come pouring into your windows,' she explained.
Fan Hack for a Makeshift Air Conditioner
She also demonstrated how to use a fan effectively: 'If you want to do a makeshift air conditioner, take a traditional fan, put a table just behind it or a surface with a bowl of ice. As that ice melts, the air around it is gonna get colder, and that is the air that your fan is then going to push around the room, creating a cooler feeling.'
Hydration and Diet
The TikTok user emphasized the importance of staying hydrated: 'Just keep a water bottle with you, and every single time you look at it, take a sip. It's really, really easy to get very dehydrated very quickly in these extreme temperatures.' She also recommended eating water-rich foods like salads and fruits, and avoiding heavy, greasy foods that require more energy to digest. Interestingly, she noted that room-temperature drinks can be beneficial: 'If you drink drinks the same as your body temperature, it helps regulate your body temperature. So, not a super hot cup of tea, but herbal teas or decaffeinated teas or coffees can actually help keep your temperature regulated.'
Clothing and Sun Protection
She advised wearing loose and light clothing to allow the body to breathe. For those who must go outside during peak heat, she stressed the importance of sun protection: 'Make sure you have wide-brimmed hats that you wear, and put sun cream on and replenish it every two hours. You need factor 50 and you need to replenish it every two hours. Or if you've gone for a swim, directly after. Set an alarm on your phone.' She warned that burning skin is dangerous: 'Every single time you burn your skin, you are at risk of various things.'
Timing Outdoor Activities
She suggested avoiding being outside during the peak heat of the day, typically between 11am and 3 or 4pm. 'If you can be inside, be inside a space that's cool. You're gonna thank yourself. Make sure that you keep young children especially inside at this time,' she added.
