UK households have been urged to close their curtains until 8pm on Tuesday as the Met Office issued another heatwave warning. The UK is bracing for a heatwave sweeping across parts of the nation over the weekend, with temperatures of 34C or more forecasted.
Amber Heat Health Alert Issued
Amid the high temperatures, an amber heat health alert has been issued for four areas: the East, South East, and South West of England, as well as London. The alert has been in place from 12 pm on Thursday and lasts until 8pm on Tuesday.
During this period, Brits are looking for every possible way to keep their homes cool and keep heat out. Expert advice suggests that closing curtains and blinds is one effective method.
Why Closing Curtains Helps
Due to the average British house being designed to retain heat in the usual climate, homes are ill-prepared for getting rid of excess heat. They trap warmth and quickly transform into uncomfortably hot and humid spaces. The Met Office urges people to close curtains in rooms that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cooler, as well as closing doors.
A spokesperson said: "Close curtains in rooms that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cooler. Counterintuitively, closing doors and windows in the heat of the day can keep it cooler inside."
Additional Cooling Tips
British Gas previously advised: "Tempting as it might be to throw your windows open during a heatwave, leaving them shut when the day is at its hottest will keep rooms cool in summer. So try to only let in the air early, or late, in the day. Light coloured blinds and curtains made of a weightier fabric offer the best heat-blocking potential, so go for these if you’re thinking of updating yours – but keep hold of any darker ones that you replace, so you can switch back once the temperature drops to keep the heat in. Keep these closed during the day too to keep your house cool in summer."
Temperature Forecast
Parts of the South and South East are likely to meet the heatwave threshold over the weekend, with a 40 percent chance of exceeding the highest ever temperature for June, which is 35.6C set in 1957 and 1976, the Met Office said. The warmest temperatures are expected on Monday, as parts of the South and South East are expected to reach 32C on Sunday and then climb to or beyond 34C on Monday for some.
Health Warning
The UK Health Security Agency’s amber health warning means an increased demand is likely to be placed on health and social care services, and could result in a rise in deaths. The recent warm weather saw a sharp incline in water-related deaths, and Brits have been warned to stay safe in the heat and around water.
