It is going to be exceptionally hot across the UK and the mercury could top 40C in an unprecedented heatwave. People have been urged to take precautions and to keep cool and hydrated on Monday and Tuesday.
The heat has prompted the UK's first red warning for extreme heat. The rise in temperatures has also forced the UK Health Security Agency to issue a level 4 heat-health alert – described as an “emergency”.
Britons are being urged to stay inside during the hottest points of the day, between 11am and 4pm, and wear sun cream, a hat, stay in the shade and keep hydrated with water. Some schools in several counties, including Nottinghamshire and Hampshire, have confirmed they will close, while train companies urged people not to travel on Monday and Tuesday.
Simple changes to your home, such as using foil on the windows or opting for lightweight cotton bedding, could also make a big difference, ManchesterEveningNews reports. But when it comes to windows, should they be open or closed during the hot spell?
It may seem wise to open up the windows in your house to let a breeze through your home. But experts have suggested it may be better to have them shut, at least while the sun is shining.
Chris Nye, overseas property expert at Your Overseas Home argues that windows should be kept closed in very hot weather. "It might seem counterintuitive, but if the air outside is hotter than the air in your home, keeping your windows closed could help your home stay a little cooler," he explained.
Keeping your blinds and curtains closed during the day could also help to keep your house cool. Chris said: "Much of the sunlight that enters your home through the windows turns into heat, so it’s a good idea to keep your curtains and blinds closed, at least during the hottest times of the day. You may even want to opt for blackout curtains to keep windows covered and block the sunlight out completely."
For hay fever sufferers, having your windows closed during the day will also help to keep the pollen out of your home and could alleviate your symptoms.
However, at night time, if it's slightly cooler, it many be best to have your windows open. Dr Lindsay Browning, psychologist and sleep expert at luxury bed and mattress retailer And So To Bed , says a cool breeze through your bedroom could help you get to sleep in the sticky conditions.
"Generally, when it is really hot outside it is a good idea to keep windows closed during the daytime, as you don’t want the hot external air to come into the house warming it up," she explained. "However, after the sun goes down, the outside air will start to cool down. At this point, it is a great idea to open the windows to let in a breeze of cool external air into the bedroom, helping cool the room and to provide needed air circulation."
An indoor thermometer can help you determine whether your home is cooler or warmer than the temperature outside. But if temperatures do soar to the high 30s, as predicted, you'll probably find that your home is one of the cooler places to be.
