Summer can be a wonderful season, with lots of time spent outside enjoying the sunshine and warm weather. Whilst many of us like to enjoy the sunshine and hot weather, we should make sure we do it safely and remember certain groups of people are more vulnerable than others to heat or ultraviolet radiation

What is the weather like in summer?

On average in the UK, July is the warmest month and June the sunniest while the rainfall totals throughout the UK in summer can be rather variable. The highest temperatures tend to be seen around London and the south-east with the coolest temperatures experienced throughout Scotland and northern England.

Highest daily maximum temperature records Country Temperature (C) Date Location England 40.3 19 July 2022 Conningsby, Lincolnshire Wales 37.1 18 July 2022 Hawarden Airport, Flintshire Scotland 34.8 19 July 2022 Charterhall, Scottish Borders Northern Ireland 31.3 21 July 2021 Castlederg, County Tyrone

The UK in summer can experience blocking anticyclones which can bring long spells of warm weather and create heatwave conditions.

Heatwaves

The UK experiences occasional heatwaves but of a lesser frequency and intensity to those seen elsewhere globally.

On 19 July 2022 for the first time on record, temperatures in the UK exceeded 40°C. A new record maximum temperature of 40.3ºC was recorded at Coningsby, Lincolnshire, exceeding the previous record of 38.7ºC, recorded at Cambridge University Botanic Garden on 25 July 2019, by 1.6ºC.

New national temperature records were also set for Wales and Scotland, along with a new record high daily minimum temperature for Wales of 24.5ºC at Aberporth.

These extreme temperatures were recorded as the UK was impacted by an unprecedented heatwave, with the previous UK temperature record met or exceeded at 46 stations, from Kent to North Yorkshire and from Suffolk to Warwickshire.

Impacts of hot weather

Whilst many of us like to enjoy the sunshine and hot weather, we should make sure we do it safely and remember certain groups of people are more vulnerable than others to heat or ultraviolet radiation.

Hot weather places a strain on the heart and lungs. For that reason, the majority of serious illness and deaths caused by heat are respiratory and cardiovascular. Older people, those with pre-existing health conditions and young children are particularly at risk. Overexposure to the sun is equally dangerous, with effects ranging from mild sunburn to skin cancer. It doesn’t have to be hot for the UV index to be high.

The hot weather not only affects us but can also place strains on water and energy utilities, road and rail transport and the health and fire services.

In 2006 heat damage to road surfaces was reported from Cornwall to Cumbria, with the cost of repairs estimated at £3.6m in Oxfordshire alone. Speed restrictions were introduced on many rail lines, because of the risk of buckling with the west coast main line particularly affected with delays and cancellations.

In 1990 the fire services were kept busy tackling heath and farmland fires that broke out due to the dry conditions that had prevailed since March that year.

In 1976, one of the most prolonged heatwaves in living memory, the hot, dry weather affected domestic water supplies leading to widespread water rationing.

Make sure you know what to do

Leading health organisations across the UK recommend:

Try to keep your house cool, closing blinds or curtains can help.

At night, keep your sleeping area well ventilated. Night cooling is important as it allows the body to recuperate.

Try to stay cool by taking cool showers or baths and/or sprinkle yourself several times a day with cold water.

Avoid too much exercise when very hot, which can cause heat exhaustion or heat stroke, and watch for signs of heat stress – an early sign is fatigue.

Drink plenty of fluids, but not alcohol, which dehydrates the body.

Try to eat as you normally would. Not eating properly may exacerbate health-related problems.

Keep your vehicle well ventilated to avoid drowsiness. Take plenty of water with you and have regular rest breaks.

If you have vulnerable neighbours who may be at risk during a heatwave, try to find out if someone is already looking after them or if they would like you to ring them daily.

If you do go out for exercise or into your garden, try to avoid the hottest part of the day (11 am to 3 pm) and seek shade where possible. Avoid being in the sun for long stretches. Wear lightweight, light-coloured clothing, high factor sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat.

The UV index (the strength of the sun) can be high at many times of the year – it doesn’t have to be hot. The UV index can be strong through cloud even when the sun isn’t directly shining.

Reapply an appropriate factor sun cream at regular intervals during the day.

Never leave children or animals in parked cars. Even on cool days, strong sunshine can make car interiors very hot.

Top tips to keep your pets safe in hot weather

Like us, our pets are also vulnerable to heat-related problems and illnesses, the British Veterinary Association has some top tips on how to keep our pets safe in hot weather:

What does the forecast for the coming Bank Holiday weekend look like?

Today was the hottest start to May on record with a peak of 28.2C recorded at Charlwood in Surrey.

But temperatures are expected to ease by Friday and Saturday, with cooler conditions of 14C to 18C across the UK.

Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the weather in the coming days.

Friday

Some rain is expected in central areas but this should clear up by the morning. It will be sunnier across the UK, and cloudier in the afternoon.

The sunny weather will, however, persist in Northern Ireland, some parts of western Scotland and northern England.

Quite a bit of sun is expected in the east and southwest of England and some parts of the southeast.

A peak of 24C is expected in the south and southeast of England.

Saturday

More clouds will be settling in across the UK but some sunshine will be seen in the west, in areas like Pembroke and Hereford, and central areas, such as Birmingham, are also set for yet more sunshine.

Some areas of western and northern Scotland will also be sunny, while clouds are expected in Northern Ireland, although these are set to make way for more sunshine in the afternoon.

Areas in eastern England are expected to clear up on Saturday afternoon, with sunshine expected around Hull, York, Sheffield, Darlington and Norwich.

More sunshine is also forecast in the southwest.

London may reach a high of 21C.

Sunday

The forecast is mainly cloudy in the UK on Sunday morning except for areas in Wales, western Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The afternoon will see more sunshine in the southwest of England, including Devon and Cornwall, and in the north of Scotland.

The southwest is expected to have the highest temperature at 17C on Sunday afternoon.

Stephen Dixon, a Met Office spokesman, said on Thursday afternoon: “Temperatures tomorrow will be slightly reduced from what we’ve seen today, possibly 26 or 27 degrees in the far south-east of England through the day tomorrow.”

Monday

The Bank Holiday is forecast to be mostly dry across the UK – as the Met Office forecast map below demonstrates.

But temperatures will be way down and a lot more seasonal.

In London, temperatures won’t get much above 14C. For Edinburgh, a peak of 13C is forecast. In Cardiff, it’s 14C, while for Belfast the highest temperature will likely be around the 12C mark.

So while it might still be dry enough to get out and about, enjoy the weekend heat while it lasts.

I don’t know about you, but my bedroom always seems to be the hottest room in the house. And while this makes things nice and cosy during the winter months, things can get pretty sweltering during the summer, and my sleep suffers as a result. That’s why knowing how to keep a bedroom cool can come in handy.

According to Stephen Day, Heating Engineer at iHeat , ‘The ideal bedroom temperature for sleep sits between 14°C and 18°C – cooler than most people would expect.’ And while there are many ways to stay cool in bed , this typically revolves around keeping the person cool rather than the room itself.

So, I’ve spoken to industry experts on the best ways to keep a bedroom cool when the temperatures start to rise, so you can sleep easily and ensure that your sleeping space is as comfortable (and cool) as possible.

1. Keep blinds and curtains closed

While constant airflow can help to keep a bedroom cool, it’s also important to note that your window treatment ideas can actually make a bedroom warmer – especially during the hottest points in the day. That’s why experts suggest keeping blinds and curtains closed to lower the temperature of a bedroom.

Blinds Direct’s trend specialist Ana Zuravliova explains, ‘This may seem counterproductive, but it works well together with creating airflow. When the sun is out in full force, it’s often magnified through windows, and the heat intensifies in the home. And while you may want your rooms to be bathed in natural light, often that comes at the cost of warmer temperatures inside.’

(Image credit: James French)

She adds, ‘During the day when the sun is at its hottest, try and keep blinds and curtains closed, to keep as much sun out of the room as possible. Thermal blinds would be ideal for this, as their lining helps keep inside cooler during summer.’

Yes, this may seem even stranger, but thermal blinds do actually keep the heat out , rather than just keeping the heat in. So, it might be worth switching them up during the summer months.

Habitat Linen Look Blackout Thermal Eyelet Curtains £40 at Argos These thermal curtains are perfect for keeping a bedroom cool, as the light colourway is bright and airy, while the thermal lining will keep the heat out.

2. Open the loft

It’s a well-known fact that heat rises, which is why those who live in both houses and flats will struggle to keep a bedroom cool during the summer months. But most people forget that there is almost always another space that’s higher than the bedroom – and it’s well worth making use of it.

Yes, one way to move some of the heat away from your bedroom is by opening up the loft. According to James Wilson, sleep expert at MattressOnline , ‘Opening your loft hatch is one way to allow heat to escape somewhere else’.

(Image credit: Future/Rachael Smith Photography)

These loft spaces are often cooler and darker, so it’s a great way to add some extra ventilation to the top of your home. But this bedroom cooling hack does so much more than offer the heat an escape route.

By opening up the loft hatch, it also creates a natural airflow that draws the colder air from the ground floor of your house towards your first-floor bedroom. This will also make the whole room feel cooler.

3. Enlist the help of a fan

The best fans are quite literally designed to cool things down, so why wouldn’t you use one to keep a bedroom cool? There are so many different options to choose from, too, whether you prefer the space-saving aspect of the best desktop fans or you like the sleek aesthetic of bladeless fans.

However, there’s a technique for using a fan to cool down a bedroom, and it’s essential to understand where you shouldn’t put a fan to ensure you’re making the most of it. And most experts agree that the best position is facing outwards with the windows open to create a channel of airflow.

(Image credit: Duux)

‘This little-known hack relies on air pressure to effectively push hot air outside of open windows while simultaneously pulling in cool air,’ adds Core Sash Windows ’ managing director, Sean Mac Anbhaird. ‘While the fan blows warm air outside the window, open any windows on the opposite side of the house. This will create a wind stream, allowing a cool, fresh breeze to flow through your home.’

And as it’s better to have an oscillating fan rather than a still fan , it’s also a good idea to choose a model that comes with this oscillating function so you can keep your bedroom cool even when the temperatures are soaring.

4. Turn off tech and switch your bulbs

Warm weather is a great opportunity to save money on your energy bills , and making the simple switch to LED lightbulbs (like these Amazon Basics LED B22 Bayonet Cap Bulbs) will also help your bedroom to stay cool – which is a win-win if you ask me.

‘Traditional light bulbs give out most of their energy as heat, and in an already baking hot room, additional heat is the last thing you need,’ says Greig Millar, energy expert at OVO .

(Image credit: Future PLC / James French)

The warmth of your lightbulbs might be a small factor, but every little helps when it comes to sleeping better through the summer. Greig recommends, ‘Check which bulbs need a replacement throughout your house’ as it could just cool a room down enough to make you sleep peacefully.

It’s also worth turning off unnecessary technology if you want to keep a bedroom cool, too, as all of these appliances can emit extra warmth that can impact your comfort.

5. Welcome nature into your bedroom

House plants have never been so popular, and the hot weather gives us even more of an excuse to add to the collection, as the best plants for the bedroom can actually help lower the temperature of the space.

‘Indoor plants can help cool a house in warm weather, as they consume hot air for their natural processes,’ explain the team at Stelrad . It’s pretty impressive how they do this, too.

(Image credit: Future PLC/Maxwell Attenborough)

‘When an atmosphere heats up, plants will often release excess water into the air from their leaves – as a result, they cool themselves and the surrounding environment. Some of the best ones include rubber plants, Chinese evergreens, palms, mother-in-law’s tongues and ficus benjaminas.’

Not only that, but there are also many air-purifying plants out there that will help to remove airborne pollutants like dust, pollen, and pet dander from your bedroom, too.

6. Use an air conditioner

The best portable ACs are becoming more and more popular in the UK, especially as temperatures are rising year on year. And they’re one of the most effective ways to keep a bedroom cool without making too many changes to your sleeping space.

Noel Fok, CEO and co-founder of EcoAir , explains, ‘A portable model works well as you avoid the costs of installing a wall mounted unit, it can be stored away on the 350+ days that the Great British weather is not hot, and it can be moved from room to room depending on where it is needed most.’

(Image credit: Aldi)

Of course, it’s worth weighing up the fan vs air conditioner debate here to decide which one you really need. And if you only have a fan available and don’t want to shell out for an air conditioner, there is a DIY trick you could try instead.

‘Making a budget home-made air conditioner is a simple and effective way to keep cool,’ says Nick Small, small appliances expert at AO.com . ‘Place a container of ice in front of your fan and lay down a towel underneath to absorb any condensation. The ice-cold air will circulate around the room, keeping you nice and cool.’

7. Embrace the perks of a dehumidifier

Most people assume that the best dehumidifiers should only be used when temperatures drop and British homes struggle with the damp and mould that comes with the winter months. But embracing the perks of a dehumidifier can also help you during the summer, as dehumidifiers can cool a room … in their own way.

‘Dehumidifiers eliminate moisture from the air, making the warm temperatures feel more bearable as moist heat causes the most discomfort,’ says Quotezone.co.uk ’s expert Helen Rolph.

(Image credit: Meaco)

‘A room will feel cooler and more comfortable if the humidity is low,’ she continues. But it is worth bearing in mind that ‘dehumidifiers increase electricity costs, so it’s best to opt for a model that conserves energy by switching off when the humidity drops below a specific temperature.’

So, if you’re looking to cut costs and keep your energy bills as low as possible, it might be worth opting for one of the best dehumidifiers under £100 instead.

Pro Breeze Dehumidifier 1500ml £39.99 at Amazon Suitable for rooms up to 15m², this isn’t the most powerful dehumidifier you can buy – but it is one of the cheapest. It’s also incredibly quiet, so will help to tackle the humidity in a bedroom without interrupting your sleep.

8. Think about your flooring

If you’ve been meaning to upgrade your bedroom flooring ideas for a while now, take this as your sign to finally get the job done – especially if you have carpet and you’re looking to keep a bedroom cool. After all, carpet could be making the situation worse.

This is echoed by Natalie Mudd, Co-founder of Knot & Grain , who says, ‘The right flooring plays a big part in maintaining the ideal temperature in your home. During summer months, carpeted floors can increase the temperature in the home as they are known for absorbing heat.’

(Image credit: Future PLC)

She adds, ‘Meanwhile, wooden floors remain cool, providing you with a much more comfortable environment. In addition, they offer the added benefit of retaining heat during the winter, ideal for those looking to save on heating costs.’

If this is something you do want to consider, it’s worth taking a look at our guide on how to plan wooden flooring so you can truly make the most of this investment.

9. Make yourself cooler in bed

While keeping a bedroom cool may be enough to help you through the summer months, you may also need to go the extra mile and cool yourself and your bed down, too. You can do this by making some simple bedding switches – like opting for natural alternatives.

It’s not just about the covers of your best pillows and best duvet for the summer that will benefit from being made of a natural material. The filling itself will further enhance that benefit. Holly Castle, brand manager at John Cotton , explains, ‘Cotton, for example, is a natural, breathable material that allows for air flow to pass through.’

(Image credit: Future PLC)

‘Cotton has a lower thermal conductivity than synthetic and other natural materials, meaning that it does not conduct heat and therefore is the ultimate choice for bedding materials during the warmer summer months. It’s important when purchasing your cotton duvets and pillows that you ensure the filling is also made of natural and not synthetic materials,’ she adds.

Another natural material, as far as bedding filling goes, that is highly recommended for summer is wool, which allows for heat and humidity to disappear and lets the body better regulate its temperature.

FAQs

Why is my room so hot even with a fan on?

Contrary to popular belief, a fan doesn’t actually cool a room, but it can make you feel cooler and help to lower the temperature when used in conjunction with proper airflow. So, if your room is hot even with the fan on, it’s best to check whether the other doors and windows in your home are open.

If they’re not, you should open them immediately and allow the fan to push the hot air out and circulate the cold air back into your room.

Does putting a wet towel over a fan make it cooler?

Yes, putting a wet towel over a fan can make it cooler – but this trick should be done with caution. That’s because water and electricity don’t mix, and so you need to make sure that your towel is damp and not dripping wet to avoid any nasty surprises.

If you want to prevent any problems, another hack is to place a container of ice in front of the fan and allow it to blow the cooler air towards you. This is more effective and much safer.

So, how will you be keeping your bedroom cool this summer? Let me know if you have any other tips or tricks in the comments!