This week the UK has entered its third heatwave of 2025. Amber Heat health alerts have been issued and it can be difficult to find ways to keep cool. We've compiled some tips and tricks to help you cope with the heat.
One of the most important things to remember during this weather is to stay hydrated, drink enough water throughout the day to regulate your body temperature
Keep yourself cool
You can quickly cool yourself down by putting your hands and feet in cold water. Wrists and ankles have lots of pulse points where blood vessels are close to the skin, so you will cool down more quickly.
When it's hot, it is recommended to have lighter, well-balanced, regular meals. Food with a high water content like strawberries, cucumber, celery, and lettuce, will also help to keep you hydrated and cool in summer weather.
If you have to go outside, stay in the shade especially between 11am and 3pm, wear sunscreen, a hat and light clothes, and avoid exercise or activity that makes you hotter.
Keeping your home cool
During the day, draw the curtains or blinds to keep out the sun. Make sure you close the windows on the sunny side of your home, to keep out hot air.
Getting a good night sleep
It can sometimes be difficult to sleep when temperatures are high but it is not impossible. Hot weather can make us feel a bit lethargic during the day. That is because we are using more energy to regulate our internal temperature. Take steps to make sure your bedroom is as cool as it can be at night.
Open all the windows before you go to bed, to get a through breeze it can be helpful to sleep with your bedroom door slightly open. Reduce the amount of bedding you use but keep covers handy.
However hot it is in your bedroom, your body temperature will fall during the night. That is why we sometimes wake up feeling cold. Using even a small fan can be sensible in hot weather, especially when it is humid.
If you do not have a fan, try filling your hot water bottle with ice cold liquid instead.
Looking after your pets
If you have pets, remember the hot weather affects them too.
Never leave a pet in your car, caravan or outbuilding on a warm day, even if only for a short time, the RSPCA warns. Don't exercise dogs in the hottest parts of the day, especially older pets, try to walk them in an early morning or late evening walks.
The RSPCA also recommends:
- Making sure your pet has shade and is out of direct sunlight
- Giving your pet plenty of fresh water
- Putting ice cubes in their water bowl
- Giving your pet damp towels to lie on
We hope this gives you some tips and tricks to cope through this heatwave.
Sources:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cvg8v98n1vgt
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cpw7gp2ky70o
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/seasonal-health/heatwave-how-to-cope-in-hot-weather/
The RC Team
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