Closing curtains will be a saviour for many people this weekend (Image: Getty)
UK households have been advised to follow advice from experts as the weather is set to heat up in the coming days. The country will enjoy some summery conditions this Bank Holiday weekend, following a period of lower temperatures and heavy rainfall in much of the country. Weather maps from forecaster WXCharts show temperatures soaring above 28C in parts of the country, while the Met Office has predicted temperatures that are higher than usual for the time of year.
Cities like London, Birmingham, Bristol, and Manchester will enjoy temperatures in the high 20s. While this will bring many people outside to bask in the warmer weather, some Brits, especially those with certain health conditions, will be focused on staying cool. Homes can get uncomfortably stuffy and warm when the weather heats up, but there are ways to cope with this. As well as using electric fans, there are simple actions to take in the home to keep the temperatures inside cooler than outside.
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The British Red Cross has advice for vulnerable Brits who might find the heat uncomfortable, or even unsafe. Most homes in the UK are not equipped with air conditioning, so it can be hard to cool them down.
But there is a good rule of thumb to follow when it comes to your curtains and blinds. According to the Red Cross, sun shining through the glass can warm your home up quickly.
This is why it is important to keep your curtains closed during the day. This will stop the sunshine from heating up your home when you’re trying to keep it cool.
This, paired with keeping windows closed during the late morning and afternoon, means your home should stay nice and cool, providing a good escape from the hot weather and somewhere you can get a decent night’s sleep.
Sunday will be a hot day for much of the UK (Image: WXCharts)
“Make sure to cover windows during the day to protect from direct sunlight like blinds, curtains, or external shutters,” its advice reads. “If you don’t have anything to block out the sun, hanging a bed sheet or towel should have a similar effect.”
Additionally, households should avoid generating more heat. This means that you should avoid cooking using an oven or a hob when trying to keep your home cool, as this will work against you.
Plus, using dishwashers and washing machines when it’s hot during the day can make homes even warmer, so it’s best to time using these appliances wisely.
The Met Office has identified nine specific areas across the south and southeast of England—including Surrey, Kent, Hampshire, and Berkshire—that are set to experience a significant 30C heat surge on Sunday. High pressure will dominate the UK weather, ensuring mostly fine and settled conditions for the holiday weekend.
Additionally, the Met Office clarifies that the heat will persist into next week, potentially matching official heatwave criteria as the UK experiences its warmest days of the year. This means that households should get used to following advice on keeping homes cool.
The NHS says that many people are at risk during a heatwave, including those aged 75 and over, people with a serious or long-term illness, including heart or lung conditions, diabetes, kidney disease, Parkinson’s disease or some mental health conditions, and people on medications that make their bodies respond sensitively to heat.