The Met Office has confirmed that the UK is currently experiencing a heatwave, with temperatures exceeding 30C today and expected to continue over the weekend.
As the climate begins to mirror that of the Mediterranean, it’s crucial to maintain good health in the sweltering temperatures to avoid dehydration or overheating. These conditions can exacerbate symptoms for individuals already suffering from heart or respiratory issues.
However, escaping the heat can seem like an insurmountable task, particularly when water alone doesn’t seem sufficient to keep you hydrated.
The Met Office has shares a video featuring their top 10 tips for staying safe in the sun, which includes two fruits they recommend for combating dehydration.
In a TikTok video, a representative from the Met Office appears on screen and announces: “10 hacks to keep you cool this summer. Let’s do this.”
He then puts on his sunglasses and proceeds to share 10 tips for staying healthy in the sun.
1. Stay hydrated
To ensure your wellbeing during hot weather, it’s especially important to stay hydrated. This can be achieved in more ways than just drinking water.
“Stay hydrated,” he advises. “Drink plenty of fluids and eat food with a high water content, like cucumber and watermelon.”
Watermelon and cucumbers are top picks for staying hydrated in the heat, boasting a water content of approximately 92% and 95% respectively.
They offer a delicious and invigorating way to replenish your body’s fluids and electrolytes, making them ideal for fending off dehydration.
2. Sip on warm beverages
“Did you know your body continues to cool down for 20 to 30 minutes after you’ve been in the water?” he remarked.
He advised always having a hot drink handy for when you exit the water to keep yourself ‘cosy’.
Interestingly, drinking hot drinks on a sweltering day can aid in cooling you down. Consuming a warm beverage triggers your body to sweat more.
As the sweat evaporates from your skin, it has a cooling effect.
3. Fan on ice
In many homes, fans are a staple for promoting air circulation and providing a refreshing breeze.
A simple trick to enhance the cooling effect is to place a bowl of ice in front of the fan.
He suggested, “Fill a bowl with ice and position it in front of your fan for a nice, chilled breeze.”
4. Consider the colour of your swimwear
Heading to the beach or pool for a swim is a popular way to beat the heat. However, it’s crucial to consider the colour of your swimwear when doing so.
As the UK sizzles, safety experts are urging beachgoers to don brightly coloured swimwear for visibility in the water. “White, grey, or blue swimwear can be hard to see underwater, so for extra safety, if you’re going to the beach, wear bright coloured swimwear,” he explained.
Swim England advises that the most visible swimwear colours are neon and contrasting hues like orange, green, pink, and yellow.
5. Keep sunscreen in the fridge
In the midst of a scorching summer, it’s crucial to slather on sunscreen to shield your skin from harmful UV rays. For a refreshing twist, the Met Office suggests chilling your sun protection lotions.
“Keep your sunscreen or after sun in the fridge for a cooling effect,” he recommended, demonstrating with his own bottle.
6. Keep seatbelt buckled
When the mercury rises, remember to keep your car seatbelt fastened even when parked. This simple trick prevents the metal buckle from overheating and potentially burning your hands upon return.
“Two for the car now,” he advised in the video. “When you get out of the car, buckle in your seatbelt. It stops the metal from getting too hot and burning your hands when you come back.”
7. Cover steering wheel with towel
And for those who dread gripping a scalding steering wheel after their vehicle has been baking in the sun, there’s a handy tip: cover it with a towel when not in use.
“And put a little towel over the top of your steering wheel before you get out,” he advised.
He further elaborated: “Again, it stops things getting too hot to touch when you get back.”
8. Keep curtains and blinds closed
If your home is becoming uncomfortably warm during sunny days, covering the windows might be the last thing on your mind. However, this can actually help keep the hot air at bay.
“Keep your curtains or blinds closed during the hottest part of the day to stop heat building up indoors,” he clarified.
You can then reopen them in the early mornings or late evenings when the air has cooled down again.
9. Check outdoor tap.
While your first thought during hot weather would be to ensure you and your loved ones are staying healthy and hydrated, it’s also crucial to make sure your property is coping well with the temperature changes.
“Double check your outside tap to prevent contamination. Make sure it’s got a double check valve to stop bacteria and water contaminating your supply.This will help maintain the safety of your drinking water and prevent any illnesses from possible contamination.
10. Think about your pets
Last but certainly not least, it’s vital to ensure everyone in your household is managing well with the heat, including your pets.
“Don’t forget your pets in hot weather,” the Met office warned. “Do the tarmac test. Put your hand on the ground for five seconds. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your dog… or your cat. “.
It’s also crucial to provide them with ample water throughout the day and to encourage them to stay in the shade when outside.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
