Overview
- Citing May 25's record May highs, forecasters say the heatwave will keep daytime temperatures in the mid-30s and has led the UK Health Security Agency to issue yellow and amber heat-health alerts.
- Health services and charities warn that hot days and warmer nights will increase demand for care, especially among older people and those with long-term conditions.
- Experts and outlets are promoting cheap, household cooling measures such as placing aluminium foil on the outside of sun-facing windows to reflect solar gain and hanging damp sheets or towels to cool incoming air by evaporation.
- Sleep specialists recommend personal hacks to lower core temperature before bed — for example lukewarm showers about an hour before sleep, cooled or damp socks for the feet, chilled water bottles, lighter bedding and opening windows once outside air is cooler.
- Scientists caution against over-reliance on air conditioning and misuse of fans because A/C raises energy use and may hinder acclimatisation while fans move air without lowering room temperature, and research links rising night-time heat to losses in sleep and wider health harms.