Households across the UK are being urged to reorganise their fridges ahead of a forecast heatwave this Sunday, when temperatures could hit 30C in parts of southern England. The Met Office predicts warm spells for much of England and Wales, with cloudier conditions and rain in Northern Ireland and Scotland.
Met Office Forecast and Expert Warnings
Tony Wisson, Met Office deputy chief forecaster, said: “Toward the weekend, high pressure will continue to build in across most of the UK as it extends from the Azores. This will lead to more settled, warm or very warm conditions for many, especially across England and Wales, though some rain may still affect the far North.” He added that temperatures could approach high twenties across parts of England, possibly reaching 30C in the southeast.
With the mercury rising above 25C in many areas, appliance experts warn that household fridges may struggle to maintain safe food storage conditions unless properly managed. The advice follows a recent heatwave that saw supermarket fridges and freezers struggling to cope, highlighting the risk of food spoilage during extreme heat.
Hotpoint's Research and Recommendations
Domestic appliance brand Hotpoint is advising households to rethink food storage after research showed that 41% of people have previously thrown away fridge food due to spoilage. James Cooper, Senior Refrigeration Product Manager at Hotpoint, said: “When the weather gets warmer, it’s worth taking a little extra care with how we store food at home. Your fridge plays an important role in helping keep food fresh during the warmer weather, so it’s worth making sure it’s set to the right temperature.”
Cooper emphasised that fridges should be set between 3 and 5°C, but older models can fluctuate by 5-7°C throughout the day during a heatwave. “If your fridge is too warm, food will start to go off, smell bad, or could even develop mould,” he warned. Overcrowding can reduce efficiency, as airflow around vents is essential for consistent cooling. Cooper advised: “Regularly check that your fridge is running at the recommended temperature. It's also important to avoid overfilling the fridge to ensure cool air can circulate properly, as well as to check that the air vents aren’t blocked.”
Simple Changes to Reduce Food Waste
Cooper suggested organising items by temperature zones and understanding what should or should not be refrigerated. He said: “Firstly, it’s good to understand what belongs in the fridge and where these items should be stored. As well as keeping dairy in dedicated drawers and raw ingredients in colder zones, storing fruit and vegetables correctly can help to slow ripening and keep produce fresh for longer.”
Most vegetables benefit from being kept in the fridge, but garlic, onions, and potatoes should be stored in a cool, dark, dry place. Fruits such as apples, pears, soft berries, and pineapple can be refrigerated, while avocados and stone fruit should only be refrigerated once ripe. Citrus fruits and cherries should be stored in an open container or bowl in the fridge. However, apricots, bananas, butternut squash, plums, and tomatoes should be kept at room temperature. Cooper also recommended freezing bakery items like bread if not used quickly.
