A significant heatwave is expected to affect the United Kingdom this week, with temperatures potentially reaching the high 30s Celsius. Amid rising concerns over how to stay comfortable without widespread air conditioning, experts have shared several strategies to help cope with the intense heat.
Scientists from the University of Reading recommend taking lukewarm showers rather than cold ones. According to their research, cold water may cause blood vessels to constrict, trapping heat inside the body. Lukewarm water, in contrast, allows blood vessels to remain dilated, facilitating heat transfer to the skin’s surface and promoting faster cooling without causing a thermal shock.
Drinking hot beverages, such as tea, can also be effective. A 2012 study found that consuming hot tea encourages sweating, which cools the body as the moisture evaporates, resulting in a net cooling effect that outweighs the warming sensation of the drink itself.
Other practical tips include placing a bowl of ice in front of a fan to circulate cooler air indoors, since standard fans typically only move warm air around. Sleeping closer to the floor can help as well, given that hot air rises and cooler air settles lower down. For cooling relief during the day, some suggest putting wrists or neck under cold running water, targeting areas close to the skin surface to reduce blood temperature.
Dietary choices may influence perceived heat levels. Spicy foods containing capsaicin, such as curry, are thought to trigger sweating, enhancing the body’s cooling process similar to the effect of hot tea. Conversely, reducing consumption of protein-rich meats like burgers is advised, as the body generates more heat during digestion of such foods. Additionally, mint-flavored items might help as the menthol stimulates nerve receptors associated with cold sensations, offering a psychological cooling effect.
To manage indoor temperatures, experts advise keeping windows and curtains closed during the day to block out solar heat, then opening them in the evening to allow cooler air to circulate. Opening windows on opposite sides of a residence can create cross-ventilation, facilitating airflow.
With temperatures expected to rise sharply, these methods provide a range of low-cost and accessible approaches to mitigate discomfort during the summer heatwave across the UK.