Households across England are being urged to keep their windows closed and their curtains drawn on Tuesday and Wednesday. As temperatures continue to rise throughout June, experts suggest keeping your home cool. With the official start of British summer just days away, hot weather has been pushing through across from Europe.
Next week, temperatures of up to 28C are expected across parts of the country, following a thunderstorm brought on by the warmer weather. The Met Office says in its forecast starting from Tuesday June 17 that temperatures will likely be above normal for the time of year, with the southeast being particularly hot. Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Mike Silverstone said this week: “As temperatures rise this week, it is possible heatwave thresholds could be reached in some parts of the UK, particularly the northwest Midlands, northwest England and northeast Wales.”
He continues: “This warm spell will feel different to the fine weather we experienced in May as the humidity will be much higher, making it feel more uncomfortable. Additionally, while in May the nights were still fairly cool, overnight temperatures this week are forecast to remain fairly warm, which can disrupt people’s sleep.”
Homes across England will be particularly hot next week, with Tuesday bringing highs of 28C, and Wednesday seeing a warm 26C.
As a result, Brits are being urged to take extra precautions to keep their house cool in the sunshine. One easy method includes closing windows, curtains or blinds during the hottest part of the day.
However, keeping windows open on the shadier side and in the cooler times of the day can help to keep temperatures down.
Energy firm OVO says: “Tempting as it is to fling open the windows at the first sign of summer, it’s not actually the best idea. To keep your house cool, you need to keep the hot air out.
“This means keeping windows closed during the day – particularly south-facing windows. Keep curtains, blinds and windows shut when the sun is shining directly on them, and when you’re out. Try opening windows on the most shaded side of your home, to avoid sunlight and hot air getting in.”
Andy Kerr, the founder of BOXT, explains: “Getting rid of unwanted heat in your home can be difficult in the summer months, especially when most UK properties are built to retain heat. While grabbing a fan or opening up all your windows are often mentioned as effective ways to cool your home, these methods may not result in the desired results.”
He added: “To help homeowners keep cool as the warmer months approach, we have revealed which common home cooling hacks are myths and why they don’t work so you can avoid them this summer.
“When temperatures are particularly warm, opening up all your windows will let more hot air into your home, heating up your home and making you feel warmer.
“Instead of opening all your windows, it is much better to strategically open windows to create cross breezes throughout the day and open your windows during the night to let cooler air in.”