22 Jun 2026, 16:11
 Unofficial info  Staying cool this summer  Temperature 
Hiya guys! If you are in a heatwave like me with a red weather warning with temperatures getting to 35-39°C then this post is for you!

As its hot, you will sweat more. You should hydrate more. This means drinking lots of water regularly before you feel thirsty. At least a bottle in the morning and a bottle after lunch. So you don't get dehydrated. Limit caffeine and energy drinks, as they can cause dehydration and not actually replenish your thirst. The NHS (UK National Health Service) recommends six to eight glasses a day. Although you might need more as we sweat more in the heat. Water, lower-fat milks and tea will help you stay hydrated, as well as foods with a high water content such as strawberries, cucumber and melon.

Avoid the sun at peak times 12pm-3pm as the sun will be at its hottest which could lead to sunburn. Protect yourself in the sun, wear sun-cream, sunglasses and stay in the shade if possible. This helps you to stay cool and prevent sunburn. Avoid sunbathing between 11am and 3pm when the heat is at its peak. Try to cool down in the shade when possible and use the cooler mornings and evenings to get outside. If you want to quickly cool down, a trick is to fill a hot water bottle with ice cold liquid. The NHS advises keeping babies and young kids in the shade, especially between 11am and 3pm and to use a parasol or an umbrella to cover them in pushchairs instead of blankets or towels to maintain airflow.

Open windows on the shady side of your home and close them on the sunny side. This stops the hot air from rushing in as heat rises. Then open all the windows before bed or when its cooler, to get a thorough breeze. You can also put reflective material or shades on the outside of bedroom windows to stop rooms getting stuffy when you’re sleeping.

Electric fans are amazing for cooling rooms, especially if you live in a flat with windows on one side. When it's cooler outside, place a fan in front of an open window facing inside the room to circulate fresh air. You can also use more than one fan to create a cross current. Wear light-coloured, loose garments to keep cool in rising temperatures. Materials like cotton and linen are ideal as they’re more breathable. Wear a hat to reduce the risk of sunburn and make sure you use lots of sun cream. Apply high factor sun-cream (factor50) regularly, and use the paddling pool or run a cool bath or shower before bedtime.

Pet owners
Make sure your pet has access to lots of water, is in a well ventilated space, and can rest in the shade. It’s best to walk dogs in the mornings (6.15am) when it’s cooler or evenings (7pm) On particularly hot days, avoid exercise altogether as your pet will be hot enough just trying to cool itself down. Especially as pavements can get too hot for your pet's paws to walk on!

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