The UK is bracing for its fifth heatwave of the year, with the Met Office issuing a rare amber weather warning for extreme heat. Parts of England may peak at 38C on Thursday, potentially making it the hottest day of the year so far.
As people seek shade to stay cool, experts are reminding households that gadgets also need protection from the heat. Phones, tablets, and laptops can shut down when they get too hot, and Wi-Fi routers are equally vulnerable.
Why routers overheat
Routers dislike high temperatures and can suffer broadband interruptions or go offline if left in direct sunlight. Internet Service Provider (ISP) Hyperoptic has released guidance on router care during summer, following similar alerts from Virgin Media.
Hyperoptic has set up a dedicated web page about the weather, advising users on how to keep connections running smoothly.
Tips to keep your router cool
“When the temperature climbs, most of us think about staying hydrated, finding some shade and avoiding the midday sun. But there’s another household essential that needs a bit of summer care too: your router,” Hyperoptic explained.
“Your router works hard around the clock to keep your home connected. Like most electronics, it’s happiest when it’s cool, dry and well ventilated, which means a heatwave is exactly the kind of weather that can put it under a bit of extra strain.”
The ISP recommends keeping routers off windowsills and out of direct sunlight to reduce the risk of overheating. “Routers need airflow to stay cool, so think about where yours is sitting. A flat surface like a desk or cabinet works well, and wall-mounting is fine too, as long as there’s nothing blocking the air around it,” Hyperoptic added.
While routers are designed to work in various conditions and a warm room won't affect broadband speeds, they could shut down if left baking in the sun. Checking that your device is shaded during the hottest parts of the day is a simple step to avoid disruption.
