Window method explained to prepare your home for 30C heatwave

Window method explained to prepare your home for 30C heatwave The Met Office has warned another UK heatwave could be heading in our direction The Met Office has officially warned another heatwave may sweep across the UK as early as Sunday. Temperatures are expected to hit the early to mid 30s, mainly in the south west of the nation. For some, this might be welcome news. But for countless others who battled through last week's scorching conditions, it's the forecast they've been dreading. Speaking on Monday, June 29, Tony Wisson, Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster, said: “Toward the weekend, high pressure will continue to build in across most of the UK as it extends from the Azores. This will lead to more settled, warm or very warm conditions for many, especially across England and Wales, though some rain may still affect the far north.” Tony added: “The forecast for this weekend suggests that temperatures could approach high 20s°C across parts of England, perhaps 30°C in parts of the southeast, with values of mid to high 20s°C in Wales. “Although a return to heatwave conditions is looking increasingly likely for some areas, the likelihood of such extreme high temperatures or high levels of humidity as last week is currently low." So, despite the fact it's unlikely to feel as intense as last week, being prepared is essential when dealing with hot weather. Here are some steps you can take now to get your home ready for the soaring temperatures. And a window method involving the humble pot plant could make a difference. 1. Grow plants outside windows The Government website recommends trying to plant outside your windows. And while we don't anticipate you'll be able to cultivate a plant from scratch before Sunday, relocating windowsill planters with established plants can work well. "Growing plants outside can provide shade, which may be particularly helpful in front of south-facing windows, while plants inside may help cool the air." While blinds and curtains indoors can offer shade, they don't prevent the glass from warming up. This additional heat in a room can dramatically raise the temperature of your property. 2. Install external shutters or awnings Another effective method recommended by the government to limit the amount of sunlight heating up your windows is to fit external shutters. These can shade the interior of your home while also preventing temperatures from soaring on the glass. If you're hesitant to undertake a lengthy installation process, temporary awnings in gardens can provide shade for windows and doors. 3. Set up a temporary bedroom Many people don't think twice about sleeping in their bedroom, even if it happens to be the hottest room in the house. Creating a 'temporary bedroom' somewhere that remains cooler could be the difference between a restful night's sleep and hours spent tossing and turning. Make sure you can keep your chosen spot dark and cool - the two key ingredients for quality sleep. Dr Lindsay Browning, who holds a doctorate in insomnia, says: "Hot air rises, so if you live in a house with multiple floors, the upstairs bedrooms are often the warmest rooms in the house. "During a heatwave, it might be worth temporarily sleeping in a downstairs bedroom, spare room, or even the living room if it is noticeably cooler," the sleep expert and founder of Trouble Sleeping - a sleep clinic based in Wokingham - says. 4. Invest in the essentials Setting aside a bit of cash to ensure you remain safe and comfortable is generally well worth it. And it needn't cost a fortune. A pack of gel ice packs that you rotate in the freezer can make a world of difference. Equally, if temperatures stay below 35 degrees Celsius, a mechanical fan can prove effective in keeping you cool. Alternative bedding crafted from moisture-wicking fabrics such as bamboo and cotton can help you remain dry and comfortable throughout the night. While not a necessity, if you have elderly relatives, young children or pets that you're worried about, installing air conditioning could be a sound investment worth considering. 5. Check all appliances The Government advises you to: "Check that fridges, freezers, and fans are working properly, for example by checking that your food is remaining cold or frozen." Likewise, they say: "If you have a ventilation system in your home, check this is switched on and operating in 'summer mode' if it has one." Inspecting these appliances ahead of time means you can arrange any necessary maintenance to stop them from breaking down precisely when you need them most.