Warning updated as households in England urged to shut curtains from Saturday
Households are now being urged to close curtains and blinds from Saturday until at least Tuesday.
UK weather: Met Office forecasts hot and sunny conditions
Every household in England is being urged to close curtains and blinds from this Saturday after weather advice was changed.
Originally, a call to protect houses from blazing heat advised householders to take action on Sunday, but changing weather fronts mean hot weather is set to land a day earlier, from Saturday August 10, and last a day longer, until Tuesday, August 13.
The Met Office is now forecasting temperatures of 26C on Saturday, 28C on Sunday and a truly blistering 32C on Monday as stultifying sunshine is set to return.
The cooler respite we've enjoyed this week is set to be a distant memory come midday on Saturday, when rapidly clearing skies and bright sunshine kick off a four day warm weather bonanza.
Houses in most of Britain are not built well for heat, instead being designed to trap warmth and retain it during cold winters. As a result, in summer our households can become overly hot, as people struggle desperately to try to cool them down again.
And government advice about hot weather says that very warm temperatures inside your house can even put your health at risk, including from heat stroke or dehydration.
One piece of advice for cooling your house down, first issued by the UK Health Security Agency, say households should close their curtains and blinds during hot weather.
The government issued crucial advice on how to keep cool in a heatwave, offering key information aimed at preventing overheating at home.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued advice about keeping homes cool during heatwaves.
A crucial tip includes keeping windows and curtains or blinds closed "in rooms that face the sun".
Direct sunlight on windows causes a rapid increase in house temperature. The phenomenon is effectively the 'greenhouse effect' observed in Earth's Ozone layer, which intensifies the heat through glass windows on houses as it does within greenhouses.
As a result, if you find sunlight streaming through any window, the easiest solution would be to draw the curtains or shut the blinds.
The complete guidance from the UKHSA advises people to avoid sun exposure during the day's hottest hours - between 11 am to 3 pm.
The UKHSA adds: "If you're planning on physical activities like exercising or walking the dog, it's advised to arrange them during cooler parts of the day like the morning or evening."
"Keep your home cool by shutting windows and drawing curtains in rooms that are exposed to the sun."
"When venturing outdoors, ensure you're appropriately dressed with suitable headgear and sunglasses, seek out shade where possible and apply sun cream."
"Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids and try to limit your alcohol consumption."
"Check up on family members, friends and neighbours who may be more susceptible to heat-related illnesses. If you fall into this category, ask them to do the same for you."
"Be aware of the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke and know what actions to take if you or someone else exhibits these signs."
Other advice suggests closing windows that face the sun, and opening windows in the shade. Closing windows in the hottest times of day, and then reopening at night when it's cooler, will also help.
