Tips for managing in the Heat!
We sadly had to cancel classes this Monday and Tuesday due to the current heatwave making it potentially unsafe for us. With temperatures forecast to climb well into the thirties this week, it is feeling less like a pleasant British summer and more like an oppressive tropical season. The Met Office has issued severe heat warnings, and the Mayor has triggered a high air pollution alert for the capital.
When temperatures soar this high, staying cool becomes less about comfort and more about looking after our health. If you are feeling the strain of the current weather, here are a few practical, straightforward ways to keep your home and yourself safe and comfortable over the coming days.
Managing Your Home Environment
It feels natural to fling open every window the moment the sun comes out, but when the air outside is hotter than the air inside, this actually coaxes the heat into your home.
Keep curtains closed: Draw your curtains, blinds, or shutters on windows that face the sun. Keeping the direct sunlight out works wonders for keeping indoor temperatures down.
The evening reset: Only open your windows when the outside air begins to cool down in the late evening or overnight. Creating a gentle cross-breeze through the house at night can help clear out the day's trapped heat.
Switch off appliances: Large electrical appliances, television screens, and traditional lightbulbs generate a surprising amount of ambient heat. Switch them off at the wall when you are not using them.
Staying Hydrated and Well
Dehydration can creep up on us very quickly in high humidity, even if we are simply sitting quietly in a chair.
Keep a glass close by: Do not wait until you feel thirsty to have a drink. Keep a jug of fresh water nearby and take regular sips throughout the day. If you are out and about, London now has thousands of free water refill points and fountains across the city.
Limit the tea and coffee: While a cup of tea is a British staple, caffeine and alcohol can actually accelerate dehydration. Try swapping a few of your usual hot drinks for iced water, fruit infusions, or diluted fruit juice.
Eat light: Large, hot meals force your body to work harder to digest food, which increases your internal temperature. Opt for lighter options like salads, cold meats, fruit, or sandwiches.
Adapting Your Daily Routine
The pace of London life can be frantic, but a heatwave is the perfect excuse to slow down and take things easy.
Avoid the midday sun: The sun is at its most fierce between 11am and 3pm. If you need to pop out for groceries or to run errands, try to do so early in the morning or later in the evening when the air is slightly fresher.
Seek out cool spaces: If your home is becoming unbearably stuffy, consider spending a couple of hours in a cool, air-conditioned public space like a local library, museum, or supermarket. You can also check the Mayor of London's online Cool Spaces map to find nearby spots designed for respite.
Ditch the underground: The London Underground is notoriously hot during summer heatwaves. If you must travel, try to use air-conditioned bus routes or the Elizabeth Line where possible, and always carry a bottle of water with you.
Looking Out for One Another
Finally, remember that we are all in this together. If you have friends or neighbours in London who live alone, a quick phone call to check how they are managing can make a world of difference.
If you begin to feel unwell, dizzy, or unusually fatigued, do not hesitate to contact NHS 111 for advice. Take it easy, keep a cool flannel nearby, and look after yourself over the next few days.
