WITH temperatures rising to around 40C across Dorset and across the south west this week, we are all battling to keep cool.
Whether it’s sweat-soaked bedsheets or uncomfortable cooking conditions in the kitchen, it is a real effort to maintain energy during a heat wave.
But there are ways to keep as cool as you can – even during soaring temperatures like those seen across the UK this week.
We have compiled some of the top tips for keeping cool from the likes of the World Health organisation (WHO), the NHS and the Red Cross in a bid to find the best, most effective ways of avoiding the sweltering heat.
Here are some of the science-backed tips to keep your body and your house cool we found…
1. Keep the heat out during the day
While many of us may reach to open a window when a room gets hot, in such high temperatures, this is not a good move.
The WHO recommends closing windows, curtains and blinds on sun-facing sides of your home during the hottest hours.
This reduces solar heat gain, which is often the biggest source of indoor overheating.
Why it works: Blocking sunlight can significantly reduce indoor temperatures, particularly in rooms with large windows.
2. Use cooler night air to flush out heat
However, when the temperature drops outside, people are advised to open windows on opposite sides of the home to create cross-ventilation.
If possible, leave internal doors open to encourage airflow through the building.
Why it works: Buildings store heat during the day. Night ventilation helps remove that stored heat and can make the following day more bearable.
3. Stay hydrated, but choose drinks wisely
Obviously, health bodies recommend drinking water regularly throughout the day, even before you feel thirsty.
People are also advised to limit alcohol and excessive caffeine, both of which can contribute to dehydration, no matter how tempting a long stay at the beer garden may seem.
Why it works: Sweating is your body’s primary cooling mechanism, but it requires adequate fluid levels to work effectively.
4. Cool your body directly
Take cool or lukewarm showers, dampen your skin with a wet cloth or spray bottle, and wear loose-fitting, lightweight clothing.
However, avoid very cold baths or showers, which can sometimes cause blood vessels to constrict and reduce heat loss.
Why it works: Evaporation from the skin is highly effective at removing body heat.
5. Reduce indoor heat sources
Switch off unnecessary electrical devices and avoid using ovens, tumble dryers and other heat-producing appliances during the hottest part of the day.
Consider preparing cold meals or cooking early in the morning.
Why it works: Every appliance generates heat. Reducing internal heat helps prevent temperatures from creeping higher indoors.
6. Sleep in the coolest part of the home
At night, move to the coolest room available. If you live in a multi-storey home, lower floors are often cooler because heat rises. Use lightweight cotton bedding and wear loose sleepwear.
Why it works: The body needs to lower its core temperature to fall asleep efficiently. Warm nights are associated with poorer sleep quality and increased heat stress.
7. Use fans appropriately
Fans can help if temperatures are below about 35C to 40C, experts said, especially when combined with ventilation or cooling the skin.
However, the WHO notes that at very high temperatures (above 40C), as we might experience in Somerset this week, fans may become less effective and can potentially increase heat gain.
Why it works: Fans increase air movement, helping sweat evaporate faster and making you feel cooler.
Additionally, while not keeping you cool, the NHS, WHO and British Red Cross all encourage people to check on people who may be more vulnerable to heat, including older adults, young children, people with long-term health conditions, and those living alone.
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