As the UK braces for another heatwave with temperatures expected to reach 35°C in parts of southern England, a scientist has settled the debate on whether hot or cold drinks are better for cooling down. According to Obomate Briggs of New Scientist, drinking hot beverages is actually more effective.
Hot Drinks Trigger Sweating
In a TikTok video, Briggs explained: "Drink hot drinks. I know this sounds counterintuitive, but drinking hot drinks will make you sweat, and the heat lost by sweating is more than enough to compensate for the heat gained." She advised avoiding caffeine, recommending herbal tea or weak black teas instead, as caffeine increases metabolic heat and acts as a diuretic, leading to dehydration.
Avoid Large Meals and Caffeine
Briggs also suggested avoiding large meals high in protein and fats, which take longer to digest and divert blood away from the skin where it can lose heat. The UK is set to experience temperatures of up to 35°C in London and Kent, with other areas like West Sussex, East Sussex, and Surrey seeing 33°C, according to Netweather.tv. Nick Finnis from Netweather.tv noted that Thursday and Friday could bring even higher temperatures and humidity.
DIY Air Conditioner and Other Tips
To stay cool, Briggs recommended placing a tub of ice behind a fan to create a makeshift air conditioner. Fans pull air from behind, so ice-cooled air will blow forward. She also advised putting hands and feet in icy water, as capillaries in these areas act as radiators. For better sleep, a cold shower before bed increases the body's capacity to handle heat overnight.
Briggs concluded: "We hope these tips were helpful. Enjoy this rare sun. Stay safe." The Met Office forecast for Wednesday to Friday indicates fine and dry conditions with sunny spells, remaining hot in the south.
