As Britain basks in the hottest day of the year so far – with the mercury climbing to a sweltering 28°C in parts of the country- experts have issued an unexpected warning. While electric fans may feel like a perfect go-to solution during warm spells, experts caution that they can do more harm than good during periods of intense heat.
That’s because fans don’t actually reduce the temperature of a room, they simply circulate the existing hot air. In British homes, which are notoriously poorly adapted to heat, this can lead to a dangerously false sense of relief.
“Fans might make you feel cooler because of the breeze effect, but they’re not removing any heat from your surroundings,” warned a public health spokesperson.
“People often end up relying on them while neglecting more effective ways of keeping safe in hot weather, like staying hydrated or avoiding direct sunlight.”
British homes, built to retain heat during long, cold winters, are particularly ill-suited to deal with sudden heatwaves.
With heavy insulation, thick roof tiles and airtight glazing, indoor temperatures can quickly become stifling, especially in the absence of air conditioning, which remains rare in the UK.
The Met Office confirmed that today’s temperatures could peak at 28°C across central and southern parts of the UK, with widespread highs above 20°C. Overnight temperatures will also remain unusually warm, offering little respite.
Michael Silverstone, deputy chief meteorologist at the Met Office, said: “We are experiencing a brief very warm or even hot spell, which isn’t abnormal for the time of year. However, if we reach 30°C on Thursday, 1st May, it will be the earliest date in May the UK has seen 30°C since our records began in 1860.”
He added that Monday and Tuesday already brought highs of 24.5°C and 24.9°C, respectively, in London and parts of Wales.
He said: “This week has already seen highs of 24.5°C at St James’s Park on Monday and 24.9°C at Ross-on-Wye and Trawsgoed on Tuesday. Today, temperatures are set to reach around 27°C, maybe even 28°C, then climbing to 29°C or even 30°C tomorrow.
“By Friday, the heat will start to ease, though parts of the south and southeast may still reach 27°C or 28°C. The weekend will bring cooler conditions, with more average temperatures for all parts by Sunday.
Despite the intensity of the current temperatures, Silverstone noted that conditions will likely fall just short of official heatwave criteria, though only narrowly in some southern regions.
In the meantime, experts advise people to open windows and create cross-ventilation where possible. Also use blinds or curtains to shade sun-facing windows.
To keep your body cool, take regular cold showers or use damp cloths to cool down and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and avoiding alcohol and caffeine.
