Temperatures across Nottingham are continuing to remain above 30C as Met Office forecasters predict the hot weather will last until the weekend. Rain is not expected to fall until Monday, August 15 and an amber warning for extreme heat remains in place for Nottingham.
After even hotter temperatures last month, an official drought is set to be declared tomorrow in South West England and the extreme heat warning is in place until Sunday, covering much of the southern half of England as well as parts of eastern Wales.
However, cooler temperatures are forecast next week. Met Office Chief Meteorologist Andy Page said: “Temperatures will drop early next week as the weather becomes more changeable. Heavy showers and thunderstorms are likely in some areas, but there is low confidence in the details at this time and it is impossible to say yet exactly where and when they will occur”.
But while the hot weather continues, many will be looking at ways to keep their homes cool. 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.
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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."
However, at night time, if it's slightly cooler, it may 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 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."
Over the next few weeks Met Office forecasters say they expect more changeable weather to prevail with a risk of heavy showers or thunderstorms continuing, but clear and dry spells in between, too. Returning to warm or very warm towards the end of August for much of England and Wales.
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