Amid a record-breaking heatwave in the UK, Dr Ayazullah Safi, Senior Lecturer in Public Health at Birmingham City University (BCU), has advised households to freeze grapes as a healthy alternative to ice cream for staying cool. The tip comes as the Met Office extended a rare red weather warning for extreme heat until 9pm on Friday for large parts of south-east England, including London, marking the first time such an alert has been issued for three consecutive days. A red warning is also in effect for parts of southern England and Wales, with a broader amber warning covering the rest of the country.
Record-Breaking June Temperatures
The Met Office recorded a provisional temperature of 36.4°C at Yeovilton, Somerset, making it the hottest June day ever documented. This surpasses the previous day's record of 36.1°C in Hampshire, which itself had broken the long-standing benchmark set in 1976. The sweltering conditions have prompted experts to share affordable cooling methods.
Three Tips from Dr Safi
Dr Safi outlined three distinctive methods to beat the heat. First, he recommends freezing grapes and eating them as a sweet, hydrating treat. "[Grapes are] a great sweet treat for hydration and a healthier alternative to ice cream," he said. Farzanah Nasser, a gut health nutritionist and author of The Everyday High-Fibre Plan, supported the recommendation: "During a heatwave, eating well can support energy, keep you hydrated and have a huge impact on how you feel. So many of the plants we eat are made up of water. Grapes are more than 80 per cent water. They're lovely and give a burst of freshness." Grapes should be frozen in a sealed bag or container for at least two hours and can be stored for up to three months.
Second, Dr Safi suggests freezing a pillowcase in a sealed plastic bag for 30 minutes to help fall asleep faster. "While it's a temporary solution, it can help you fall asleep far more quickly by cooling you down," he added.
Third, he advises filling a hot water bottle with cold water and freezing it, then placing it at the foot of the bed or wrapping it in a towel to hold against the body when feeling warm.
Community Care and Exercise Advice
Dr Safi emphasised checking on vulnerable individuals, including pregnant people, the elderly, those with long-term health conditions, and anyone with mobility or hydration issues. "A simple text or visiting can prevent serious health consequences such as exhaustion and heatstroke," he said. For those exercising, he recommends doing so before 9am or after 7pm, reducing intensity if needed, and considering indoor activities.
