The Met Office has forecast that temperatures in England will climb above 30°C on Sunday, prompting households to seek innovative ways to stay cool. One surprising tip gaining traction is to fill a hot water bottle with cold water instead of hot, using it as a cooling aid during the night.
Heatwave Returns After Record-Breaking June
Last month officially broke records for the hottest day in June ever recorded. Now, the hot weather is set to return on Sunday, with England facing the hottest conditions. The Met Office forecast for Sunday to Tuesday states: "Outbreaks of rain continuing for northwest Scotland, perhaps moving south at times into Northern Ireland. Mainly dry and bright elsewhere, with sunny spells. Turning hot across southern and eastern England."
Temperatures in London are expected to exceed 30°C again, following a pattern of intense heat that has already made this summer one of the warmest on record.
How a Hot Water Bottle Can Help You Sleep
While the warm weather is pleasant during the day, it can make sleep uncomfortable. Many people struggle to drift off, tossing and turning in the heat. However, a hot water bottle filled with ice-cold water can provide relief. Simply fill the bottle with cold water and place it in bed before sleeping to cool sheets and pillows. It can also be held against the skin, but it should be wrapped in a cover or tea towel to avoid direct contact.
For an even colder effect, the bottle can be filled halfway with cold water and placed in the freezer for a short time. The Centre for Sustainable Energy (CSE) recommends: "[We suggest] filling your hot water bottle halfway with water and put it in the freezer a few hours before bed. Once frozen, it’ll emit cold in the same way that it warms you up if you use hot water." However, caution is advised: leaving it in the freezer for too long can damage the rubber, causing it to burst when hot water is added later. Heat-Treats suggests: "Don’t leave it for more than 20 minutes otherwise the rubber can become compromised and may rupture. The best plan is to have different bottles for heat filling and cold filling."
Energy-Saving Alternative to Fans
This method offers a low-energy alternative to running fans all night, which can be costly and less effective. By using a hot water bottle as a cold pack, households can reduce their electricity consumption while staying comfortable. The tip is backed by the Centre for Sustainable Energy, which promotes energy-saving practices.
As the heatwave continues, with forecasts of a 9-day scorcher reaching 32°C, this simple trick may help many Britons get a better night's sleep without relying on high-energy cooling devices.
