Temperatures are set to climb again in the UK, with weather maps showing some areas will be warmer than Greece. The mercury is due to rise at the end of July, with a heatwave continuing into August. The Met Office warns that conditions could turn "very warm again by the start of August."
Weather maps using GFS models show extreme temperatures turning deep red on Wednesday, July 29, with highs of 36°C. This is hotter than most of Greece, which sits at 35°C, according to the Express.
Simple Solution for Cooling Rooms
With warm and humid conditions forecast to persist, many households face uncomfortably stifling nights. Most UK homes are built to retain heat, and without air conditioning, cooling down can be challenging.
Energy experts suggest a straightforward and cost-effective solution: placing a bowl of cold water on a windowsill or worktop near an open window. This method is surprisingly efficient at cooling the air. The cold water absorbs heat from the surrounding air and converts it into vapour, reducing the overall temperature. When positioned near an open window, the incoming breeze circulates the cooler air throughout the home.
LEAP Energy Advice said: "Although it may seem peculiar, placing bowls of water around the house can aid in cooling the hot air. This simple technique can be surprisingly effective."
Faster Cooling with Ice and Fan
To accelerate the process, fill bowls with ice cubes instead of cold water and place them in front of a fan. LEAP added: "If you need to cool down quickly, try placing a bowl of ice and cold water in front of your fan's blades. This will cause the air blowing from the fan to pass over the icy water, creating a refreshing sensation on your skin. It's like having a homemade, DIY air-conditioner!"
Combining a fan with a bowl of water is not strictly necessary, as the water alone can lower the air temperature, but better results are achieved with a breeze circulating. Running a fan costs a fraction of an air conditioning unit, which can be up to 40 times more expensive to run.
The tip is endorsed by British Gas as an affordable way to keep cool. British Gas said: "While fans aren't the most expensive appliance to run, using one is still likely to impact your fuel bills - but there are some things you can do to get the most out of the energy you're paying for. To really cool down a room with a fan, place a deep dish of ice in the front of it to whip up the water mist and chill the breeze. You can also point a box fan out of an open window in the evenings - this pushes the hot air out instead of just blowing it around the room."
