Households in England are being urged to fill up a hot water bottle on Thursday (May 28) as temperatures are expected to soar to 32C in some parts of the country. Following a record-breaking Bank Holiday Monday, which marked the hottest May day ever recorded in the UK, the sweltering weather is set to continue, particularly affecting England and Wales, while Scotland and Northern Ireland may see a slight cooldown.
Met Office Forecast and Health Alerts
The Met Office predicts more blistering conditions for England on Thursday, with temperatures climbing to around 30-32C, especially in the South East and London. The UK Health Security Agency's Heat Health Alerts remain in effect for all nine regions of England. The forecast for London and the South East states: "Largely sunny and dry this morning, becoming widely very warm or hot again, away from cooler coastal areas. Turning cloudier in the afternoon with scattered showers, possibly accompanied by thunder. Maximum temperature 32°C."
Simple Solution for a Cooler Night's Sleep
While the warm weather is pleasant during the day, it can make sleeping difficult. Instead of relying solely on fans, residents are advised to use a hot water bottle in a reverse manner. By filling it with ice-cold water or ice cubes, the bottle can cool sheets and pillows, providing relief from the heat.
Simply fill a hot water bottle with cold water and place it in the bed before sleeping. For an extra chill, fill it halfway with water and freeze for up to 20 minutes, being careful not to damage the rubber. Alternatively, use a dedicated bottle for cold use. Wrap the bottle in a cover or tea towel to avoid direct skin contact.
Expert Advice
Heat-Treats recommends: "Fill your bottle with iced water, ice cubes, or crushed ice. It emits refreshing cold instead of heat. The icy water will gradually warm up to room temperature. You can also use it to cool sheets or pillows before bed. If it lacks a cover, wrap it in a tea towel or pillowcase."
The Centre for Sustainable Energy echoes this: "CSE’s Pete suggests filling your hot water bottle halfway with water and freezing it a few hours before bed. Once frozen, it will emit cold just as it would heat with hot water."
