How to cope in a heatwave - according to you
BBC News 2026-06-25 00:18:35
Context: The UK is experiencing a severe heatwave, with record-high temperatures in June, prompting people to seek creative ways to stay cool. Residents across the country, including those in Rugby, Chichester, Chorley, High Wycombe, London, Bradford, County Durham, Peterborough, Manchester, and St Albans, are sharing their DIY hacks and tips for coping with the heat. From using foil blankets and survival blankets to innovative uses of household items, individuals are finding ways to keep themselves and their homes cool.
Key Facts
- Bethan Earley from Rugby uses foil blankets on the outside of her windows to keep her home cool, saying it takes much longer for the house to warm up with this method.
- John Turbefield, 38, from Chichester, uses white bed sheets and survival blankets on his windows to reflect heat, and also stocks his freezer with two-litre plastic bottles of water to place in front of and behind his fans.
- Stephanie Reed, 39, from Chorley, wets a hand towel and lays it across the end of her bed to regulate her body temperature at night, as extreme heat triggers her epilepsy.
- The UK Health Security Agency advises people to only open their windows when the air feels cooler outside than inside, and to turn off non-essential electronics that can generate heat, such as TVs, laptops, and chargers.
- Dietitian Kate Hilton recommends drinking iced water and eating cool, hydrating foods like cucumber, tomatoes, melon, and frozen smoothies, while also suggesting that caffeine and alcohol can have dehydrating effects and should be consumed in moderation.