It’s Hot out There: The UK Heatwave Creates Unbearable Temperatures

We don’t often expect an island country to experience massive heat, but the UK heatwave proved that wrong with some record temperatures.

The United Kingdom experienced record temperatures that reached over 40.3 degrees Celsius (104.5 degrees Fahrenheit), which were the highest ever for the country. The heat was so bad that fires broke out in parts of London. We see heat like this in parts of the United States every year, but in an island nation, that has winds coming off the ocean is something different. Thankfully, recent thunderstorms gave the nation a break, but the heat is insane.

When was the last UK heatwave?

The heatwave lasted two days, covering the 18 and 19 July dates. Never in the history of the temperature data collected has the mercury risen so high for two consecutive days. Only two other dates in history showed temperatures above 38 degrees Celsius. Those dates were August 10, 2003, and July 25, 2019. As you can see, the two days in July that reached over this mark created quite a problem for the country. Typically, we think of the UK being drowned in rain and wind, but that wasn’t the case for these two days in July.

What is causing the rising temperatures?

In the United Kingdom, the average July temperatures range from a high of 70 F and a low of 53 F. That means this heat was more than 30 degrees above the normal level. Because the UK often has such mild temperatures in the middle of summer, very few homes have air conditioning. In fact, many businesses don’t have this cooling system either. Most likely, the reason for this heatwave and more that are expected is human-induced climate change. Yes, we as people create problems in the atmosphere that can increase temperatures.

What can people do to stay cool when the temperatures rise?

Whether you’re experiencing the UK heatwave or it’s getting hot because July and August are typically hot months in most of the Northern Hemisphere, there are some things you can do to stay cool, or at least not as hot as you are now.

1. Get that air moving

Even though box fans and ceiling fans don’t reduce the temperature of the air, having the air movement makes it feel much cooler where you are. If you don’t have air conditioning, this can be the best way to bring a cool feeling to your room. At night, when things cool down, it’s important to open the windows and let out some of that hot air, but you want to shut them as soon as you can after you wake up.

2. Water is a natural cooling item

One of the best ways to keep your body cooler when the temperature gets hot is to drink lots of water. In addition to drinking water, you can wet towels to cool down your neck and shoulders. Use a spray bottle with cold water to mist yourself throughout the day. This could be used in conjunction with your box fan.

3. Spend time downstairs in your home

If you’ve got a basement, you can escape the UK heatwave or any other heatwave by heading to that area of your home. Your basement is always cooler than the top floor of your home. If you don’t have an air conditioner, the hot air rises to the highest point in your home and makes that area unbearable. Spend time in the basement or on the bottom floor of your home.

4. Turn off the electricity

Don’t turn all of the electricity off, but don’t turn on lights or appliances you don’t need. When it’s extremely hot, you won’t want to use the oven or stove to prepare your meals. Instead, eat fresh foods and turn off the lights, computers, and other electric items that generate heat when you’re not using them.

5. Don’t drink alcohol or caffeine

Both alcohol and caffeine can act as diuretics and promote dehydration. When its extremely hot, you’re sweating, and you need to stay as hydrated as possible during this time. That means you need to avoid things that will push fluids out of your system. Leave the alcohol and caffeine for a time when it’s much cooler.

6. Create a homemade air conditioner

Take some ice and place it in the path of a box fan. Sit back and enjoy the cooling effect of the air moving over the cold ice on its way to you. You’ll need to refresh this system periodically, but it can be worth the effort when you have a working freezer but not an air conditioner.

7. Head to your local library

Never in your life have you wanted to read books at the library like you will on the hottest days. Unlike many buildings in the UK, the heatwave you experience is escapable in public buildings and libraries. Most public buildings in the United States have air conditioning. Head to the library and spend the day in the cool air.

8. Don’t eat large meals

You might not feel like eating a lot of food when you’re extremely hot anyway, but large protein-rich meals can be bad in the heat. These meals increase the metabolic rate and warm your body. You’re trying to get cooler, not warm up.

9. Be aware of heat-related illnesses

Understand that some heat could get to you and if you’re starting to feel the ill effects of the rising temps, you can call 911 or head to the hospital. The doctors there can give you the care you need and help cool you down so that you don’t die of heat stroke.

10. Your pets are suffering, too

When you are hot, so are your pets. Dogs will pant a lot more and drink tons of water. Keep their water bowls full and give them a cooling bath or shower to help bring their body temperature down. Even pets that don’t often like water will likely enjoy the cooling effects of a bath when it’s extremely hot.

Hopefully, there won’t be another UK heatwave anytime soon. Using some of these tips can help you stay safe and healthy when you feel the heat.