A fresh interactive map has been launched to help UK residents locate the nearest air-conditioned shops, pubs, cafés and bars during the current record-breaking heatwave. The free tool, called Where's Cool, uses a user's postcode to pinpoint nearby establishments equipped with cooling systems.
How the map works
Creator Thomas Chivers developed Where's Cool during Britain's previous spell of scorching weather, recognising that most UK homes lack air conditioning. He explained that during the extreme temperatures experienced across Britain last week, it "genuinely matters" to identify where the nearest chilled space can be found. "I built it during the last heatwave because I couldn't find anywhere cool to sit and work, and I couldn't face reading through every cafe's Google reviews to check. It turned out everyone had exactly the same problem," he said.
The map was constructed using the Food Standards Agency's database of all registered food establishments in England and Wales, cross-matched with the Government's Energy Performance Certificate records to identify those with cooling systems. The more people use the map, the more accurate it becomes. Users can contribute by selecting a venue and verifying whether it has air conditioning; once several people agree, the map updates.
Record-breaking heatwave
The launch follows a spell of record-shattering heat across the UK, with temperatures reaching 36.1C in Gosport, Hampshire, on Wednesday afternoon. Hundreds of schools closed throughout England and Wales, and transport faced significant disruption, with rail passengers urged to avoid all non-essential journeys. The Met Office issued a rare red warning for extreme heat from Wednesday to Friday in certain parts of the UK, marking the first time such a warning has been given for three consecutive days.
Andy Page, Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office, warned: "Significant disruption to daily life is likely and the public should take every effort to adapt their daily routines to cope with these levels of heat, which up to now have been extremely rare for the UK." The UK Health Security Agency also released a series of heat health alerts, with the red alert signifying a risk to life "for even the healthy population." The agency advised that simple measures like staying hydrated, avoiding the sun during peak heat, and keeping your home cool can make a significant difference.
