Sam Smith, 40, from Peterborough, has revealed a cooling technique he picked up from his aunt that he claims can help beat the heat without the need for air conditioning or even a fan. The advice comes as the UK faces its third heatwave of the year, with the Met Office forecasting temperatures rising to 34-35°C later this week.
The TV studio floor manager shared the tip on social media, where it has already amassed more than 17,000 likes. The method requires nothing more than a bowl of cold water placed on a windowsill. Sam explained that he first came across the unusual approach years ago when his aunt would leave large bowls of water by the window each summer.
How the Windowsill Trick Works
"So you just fill a bowl with cold water or ice," Sam said. "When you place the bowl on your window sill, or in front of a fan, the water evaporates into the air. This process absorbs heat, effectively lowering the ambient temperature of the room without electricity."
He added: "It's a great little hack and it worked for us at home. The hack could be especially useful for people on a tight budget or elderly people looking for a cheap way to stay cool during hot weather."
UK Heatwave Forecast
The Met Office said on Monday, July 6, that much of England and Wales will be hot, with parts of the UK set for 33°C on Wednesday, 34°C on Thursday, and some areas possibly reaching 35°C on Friday and Saturday. Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Steven Keates said: "Parts of the UK are entering heatwave conditions: the third heatwave in the UK so far this year. However, unlike the May and June heatwaves, we are not expecting this heatwave to be record-breaking."
Public Reaction
The budget-friendly suggestion has struck a chord with people on social media. One impressed viewer commented: "Wow. Really worked...dropped my room like 10 degrees." Another said: "I'll try this later. Thanks." Someone else wrote: "I tried it last night and it worked for me." A fourth person added: "Yes - I'll ditch the air con."
Not everyone was convinced, though. One sceptical social media user joked: "And I'd wake up to the god damn pigeons taking a bath in it!"
Official Advice on Keeping Cool
The government's gov.uk website also offers practical advice on keeping homes cool during hot weather. It recommends that "growing plants outside can provide shade, which may be particularly helpful in front of south-facing windows, while plants inside may help cool the air." In further guidance relating to windows, the website advises homeowners to consider fitting internal blinds or curtains, or external shutters, adding that "roller blinds or awnings are also very effective."
