A housing expert has shared several ways to keep your home cool during a heatwave, including leaving a particular door open overnight to improve sleep quality. The advice comes as the Met Office predicts another bout of scorching weather this week, with temperatures potentially reaching 34C in southeast England.
Heatwave Expected Across Southern UK
This week will see a north-south divide across the UK, with rainfall anticipated across much of Scotland while sunshine and soaring temperatures are expected further south. On Wednesday, July 8, temperatures across southeast England are predicted to hit 33C, climbing to 34C on Thursday, July 9.
The Met Office says: "There's a heatwave on the way across southern parts of the UK this coming week." Regarding the outlook for Wednesday to Friday, the Met Office adds: "Cloudy and rain starts to clear across the north with some outbreaks across western Scotland. Fine and dry elsewhere with plenty of sunny spells and staying hot in the south."
Why Opening the Loft Hatch Helps
Oliver Novakovic, Technical and Innovation Director at Barratt Redrow, suggests lifting the loft hatch to allow trapped warm air to disperse. He states: "As the hot air rises in your home, it can often get trapped on the second floor, where you may be trying to sleep. Opening the loft hatch during the day can allow the air to rise further and away from your bedroom. If you have a fire-rated loft hatch, remember to close it again at night."
Because warm air naturally rises, opening the hatch allows trapped heat to escape, especially when combined with slightly opening a window to boost air circulation. However, outcomes can differ. On Mumsnet, numerous users report that their bedrooms feel considerably cooler when they utilise the hatch to release warm air. Conversely, some Reddit users warn that if your loft is exceptionally hot or inadequately ventilated, opening the hatch could allow trapped heat to seep back into your upper-floor rooms.
Additional Cooling Tips
Novakovic also recommends other measures to maintain cooler homes this summer. These include closing curtains or blinds during the day to block sunlight, using fans strategically to create cross-ventilation, and avoiding heat-generating appliances like ovens and dryers during peak heat hours.
