Households are being urged to place a bowl of water on their windowsill to keep their homes cool as the UK prepares for another scorching heatwave, with temperatures forecast to reach 36C in parts of England.
Evaporative cooling trick
Experts suggest that a simple bowl of water can be an effective and inexpensive way to cool down a room, especially for those without air conditioning or powerful fans. The method relies on evaporative cooling, where water evaporating into the air lowers the air temperature, similar to how evaporative air conditioning units operate.
The Environmental and Sustainability Wiki Appropedia explains that placing medium to large bowls, such as fishbowls, filled with water under a window allows the breeze to flow over the water and cool the air in the room. This technique can also be used outdoors in large containers, provided mosquitoes are not a health concern.
Enhancing the cooling effect
For even better results, adding ice cubes to the bowl and pointing a fan at it can drive cold air into the room as the ice melts. Energy giant British Gas supports this tip, with smart energy engineer Jessica Rawstron noting: "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." She also recommends pointing a box fan out of an open window in the evenings to push hot air out.
Heatwave forecast
The Met Office has forecast that much of England will experience its fifth heatwave of the summer this week, with temperatures climbing through the weekend and peaking mid-week. Deputy Chief Forecaster Mike Silverstone said: "Temperatures will climb through the weekend and, more significantly, through much of next week. After a brief dip on Monday, high pressure will move across the UK before settling to the east, allowing a southerly flow to develop."
"A fairly widespread heatwave is likely across large parts of England and Wales, with hot conditions developing in places. The heat is expected to peak for much of England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland on Wednesday, with up to 34C possible in parts of central and southern England and southeast Wales. East Anglia and south-east England, however, could see temperatures even higher on Thursday," he added.
Humidity levels are also expected to increase, making conditions feel more uncomfortable, particularly overnight.
