How to Actually Keep Cool in This Weather

Why It Matters

With heat waves increasing health risks and straining poorly adapted housing, these accessible measures can lower the risk of heat-related illness, improve sleep and comfort, and provide immediate, inexpensive protection when air conditioning is unavailable.

Summary

A short guide offers practical, low-cost strategies to stay safe during heat waves: drink hot, non-caffeinated beverages to promote cooling sweat; avoid large protein- and fat-heavy meals that divert blood from the skin; and use improvised cooling like placing a tub of ice behind a fan or soaking hands and feet in cold water to leverage peripheral capillaries. It also recommends a cold shower before bed to improve heat tolerance and sleep, noting that many UK homes are poorly designed for extreme heat. The tips focus on simple physiological tactics to reduce core temperature and mitigate heat stress.

Original Description

This week has been a scorcher, with temperatures across the UK passing 34°C. But extreme heat is no longer a rare summer event. As global temperatures continue to rise, the world faces the growing threat of prolonged heatwaves that could leave millions enduring weeks of dangerously high temperatures.

In a warming world, staying cool is becoming more important than ever, forcing us to rethink how we cope with extreme weather. Here are some simple ways to stay cool, stay safe and protect yourself during hot weather.

Learn more: https://www.newscientist.com/article/2158338-deadly-heat-how-to-survive-the-worlds-new-temperature-extremes/