The UK is bracing for extreme heat this week, with temperatures potentially reaching 40C in parts of England. A red weather warning for extreme heat will take effect from Wednesday, prompting health warnings and advice on staying cool.
Red warning and health risks
The Met Office has issued a red 'extreme heat' alert covering a large area from London to Swansea and Somerset to Birmingham, in effect from 9am Wednesday to 9pm Thursday. Temperatures could approach the UK record of 40.3C set in July 2022. High humidity and very warm nights will make recovery difficult.
Dr Will Lang, chief meteorologist at the Met Office, said: "We are forecasting extreme temperatures in the next few days, particularly on Wednesday and Thursday, when it looks like we’ll be seeing maximum temperatures into the high 30s. But also we are stressing very high overnight temperatures which will be very uncomfortable for vulnerable groups, and very humid conditions as well." He noted the conditions far exceed typical June heat and are on "a much bigger scale" than the heatwave at the end of May.
Practical cooling tips
While keeping windows and doors closed during the day helps retain cooler air, homes can still heat up quickly. Experts recommend blocking sunlight before it hits windows. Kevin Pennington, owner of Lancashire Air Conditioning, suggests using bed sheets or newspaper on the outside of south-facing windows. He said: "If you have south-facing windows, you might want to consider putting sheets or newspaper on the outside of the windows to stop the sun from touching the window and getting into your house." He added: "It looks absolutely horrendous, but is massively effective. It can reduce the heat gain by up to 80 to 90 per cent with the right sheet."
For indoor cooling, Pennington recommends a DIY air conditioner: freeze an empty ice cream tub of water and place it in front of a fan. "As the air blows towards the ice, the ice absorbs heat from it, and it is noticeably cooler," he said, though he noted it works only briefly before the ice turns to warm water.
Staying safe
People are urged to stay indoors during the hottest part of the day to avoid dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. The Met Office advises keeping windows and doors closed during the day to keep cooler air inside.
