how to cope with a heatwave

we may only be in june, but it already feels like we are in the thick of summer. usually, us brits expect the properly hot weather to arrive in july or august, but europe is already baking and heatwaves are starting to feel different.

yes, we are used to summer. yes, hot weather is part of the seasons. but the kind of heat we are experiencing now is becoming more intense, lasting longer, and in many cases, not cooling down properly overnight. when night-time temperatures stay high, your body has less chance to recover before heading into another hot day.

so, how can we prepare? here are some simple, practical tips on how to cope with a heatwave and stay cool when temperatures rise.

keep your home cool from the start of the day

first things first: as soon as the day starts to heat up, close your windows, curtains and blinds. it might feel strange to shut out the fresh air, but keeping the heat out early can help your home stay cooler throughout the day.

then, start hydrating straight away. don’t wait until you feel thirsty - by then, your body is already playing catch-up.

dress for the heat

what you wear can make a huge difference during a heatwave. choose loose, lightweight clothing made from natural fibres like linen, cotton or hemp.

natural materials tend to breathe better in the heat and feel much more comfortable against the skin. they can also help with moisture management, which makes a big difference when you are sweating.

try to avoid tight clothing made from polyester or nylon on very hot days. trust us, you can feel the difference.

pack your heatwave essentials

before heading out the door, make sure you have your hot weather kit with you:

a full water bottle, sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, and some form of portable shade. 

always check the UV level before leaving the house. when the UV index is 3 or above, sun protection is recommended - even if it doesn’t feel especially hot.

use a parasol or sun umbrella

using a parasol or sun umbrella on your daily commute, at festivals, on park days, or during any prolonged time outside can help keep direct sun off your body and make the heat feel far more manageable.

shade really does work. shaded areas can feel significantly cooler than standing in direct sun, especially on pavements, streets and open spaces where heat builds quickly.

a sun umbrella gives you portable shade wherever you go - no waiting for a tree, no fighting for the one shady spot in the beer garden, and no baking under direct sun when you could be staying cool.

stay hydrated

it sounds obvious, but it is one of the most important things you can do during a heatwave. sip water regularly throughout the day, especially if you are walking, commuting, working outside or spending time at an event.

try to limit too much alcohol or caffeine during the hottest part of the day, as both can leave you feeling more dehydrated.

carry a hand fan

on extreme heat days, a hand fan — whether electric or manual — can be instant relief. it is one of those small things that feels dramatic until you are the person everyone wants to borrow it from.

cool your home in the evening

when the sun begins to go down and the temperature outside starts to drop, open your windows, blinds and doors if you can. creating a through-draft can help move hot air out and bring cooler air into the house.

cool yourself down before bed

a cool shower before bed can help bring your body temperature down and make it easier to sleep.

swap the duvet for a light sheet, and if you want an old-school trick, fill a hot water bottle with water and put it in the freezer. place it in your bed before sleeping to help keep things cool.

avoid the hottest part of the day

the best advice is still to stay out of direct sun for long periods, especially during peak heat. seek shade, slow down, and avoid doing too much during the hottest hours of the day.

if you can, move chores, errands, exercise and dog walks to the cooler parts of the morning or evening.

heatwaves are becoming part of summer

this kind of heat is becoming part of the new normal, which means learning how to adapt really matters. small, consistent habits can make all the difference - from what you wear, to how you cool your home, to carrying shade with you when you leave the house.

if you have a heatwave tip we haven’t mentioned, we would love to hear it.

stay cool, stay safe, stay shady.