Everyone in UK warned to keep curtains and blinds closed until Tuesday
The UK Health Security Agency has issued advice on how to keep your home cool during the heatwave and keeping blinds and curtains closed is key
Brits are being urged to keep their curtains drawn and blinds shut for the coming days as the nation braces for a heatwave.
The government has stepped in with essential advice on how to beat the heat, outlining key measures to avoid homes turning into ovens. The Met Office issued a heatwave warning on Friday, cautioning: "Conditions look to turn increasingly warm, or even hot, in central, southern and eastern areas early next week and it is possible some places may reach heatwave criteria."
An urgent 62-hour heat health warning was also released by the Met Office and UK Health Security Agency on Friday, set to commence from Sunday. The alert highlights the dangers posed to vulnerable individuals, who face a significantly higher risk of death from heat, and warns of potential strain on the health service.
It stated: "There is potential for significant impacts to be observed across the health and social care sector due to the high temperatures, including [an] increase in mortality across the population likely, particularly in the 65+ age group or those with health conditions."
As the weekend approaches, temperatures across the UK are predicted to soar. By Monday, thermometers are expected to hit over 25C in nearly all parts of England and Wales, with London sizzling at an anticipated 28C, reports Birmingham Live.
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The heat will intensify further on Tuesday, potentially reaching 29C or even 30C in the capital.
Saturday is set to be generally warm, dry and pleasant, with temperatures reaching 23-25C across much of England and Wales, though it will be cooler in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
The UK Health Security Agency has provided advice on how to keep your home as cool as possible during heatwaves and hot weather. One key tip is to keep windows and curtains closed "in rooms that face the sun".
Direct sunlight on windows can cause a rapid increase in household temperature, similar to a "greenhouse effect", as rooms and homes heat up intensely.
If you notice sunlight streaming into windows, the recommended solution is to draw the curtains while leaving the window open for air circulation.
The hot weather is expected to last until Tuesday, when it will peak, before temperatures drop slightly on Wednesday, but remain very warm. We might also start seeing some rain from Wednesday.
When are the hottest times of the day?
The sun's UV rays are strongest around noon.
However, this doesn't necessarily mean that this is when it's hottest and you may have noticed that it's often warmer towards 3-4pm than it is at noon.
So, while it's crucial to wear sun cream if you're outside around midday (you should wear sun cream whenever you're out in the sunshine), it's also a good idea to keep your curtains closed to block out the sun between 11am and 3 pm.
What to do when going outside in the sun
If you're contemplating outdoor activities like going for a walk with your dog or doing some jogging, it's advised to do so in cooler temperatures, either early in the morning or later in the evening. Suitable clothing including a cap and sunglasses is recommended, while finding shade when possible, hydrating effectively and applying sunscreen are also important.
It is also advisable to be careful about walking dogs during periods of hot weather.
You can also consider checking on friends and neighbours, who could find the more extreme temperatures challenging, as well as being able to spot signs of heatstroke or heat exhaustion and knowing the appropriate actions to take if such conditions are identified either in yourself or others.
The health organisation emphasised: "It is crucial to heed the advice in this guidance to prepare for hot weather. This is especially important for those at a higher risk of falling seriously ill. To prepare, stay updated with the news and check your local weather forecast so you're aware when hot weather is predicted. Be on the lookout for advice on what to do if services such as power, water supplies and transport are likely to be disrupted.
"Monitor air pollution forecasts and advice, as air pollution can worsen during hot weather and pose problems for individuals with asthma and other respiratory issues. When hot weather is anticipated, plan your activities to avoid being outside during the hottest part of the day, between 11am and 3pm."
