Is it true that … having a hot drink will cool you down?

The Guardian UK Monday 14 September 2026, 07:00 UTC By Kate Lloyd 1 min read

Key Points

A warm cup of tea can trigger sweating and lower your body temperature, but only if you’re in an airy spaceCould a warm cup of tea really be the key to cooling down in hot weather? Or is that just something caffeine fiends tell themselves when they’re still working through a pot of coffee as the temperature hits 30C?Prof John Tregoning, the author of Live Forever? A Curious Scientist’s Guide to Wellness, Ageing and Death, says it depends on the circumstances.

A warm cup of tea can trigger sweating and lower your body temperature, but only if you’re in an airy space

Could a warm cup of tea really be the key to cooling down in hot weather? Or is that just something caffeine fiends tell themselves when they’re still working through a pot of coffee as the temperature hits 30C?

Prof John Tregoning, the author of Live Forever? A Curious Scientist’s Guide to Wellness, Ageing and Death, says it depends on the circumstances. He points to the work of Australian scientist Prof Ollie Jay, who is a world leader in researching heat and how it balances out in your body.

John Tregoning (PERSON) Australian (ORG)

Originally published by The Guardian UK Read original →

A surge in Indonesia's wood pellet and chip production is driving a new wave of deforestation, threatening the vast archipelago's remaining tropical forests, vital biodiversity hot spots and the land of Indigenous peoples, according to new satellite analysis from environmental nongovernmental organizations.

Phys.org 26m ago

Police open investigation after 2 men found dead at Hong Kong public flat

Hong Kong police are investigating the discovery of the bodies of two men at a public housing estate flat in Ap Lei Chau. The force said a security guard alerted authorities after detecting a foul smell coming from the flat at Lei Tung Estate’s Tung Yip House at around 2pm on Monday. Rescue personnel forced their way into the flat and discovered the bodies of the two men.

South China Morning Post 26m ago

Painting bought for under $100 at thrift store sells for $189,200

In 1966, retired art teacher Helene Plotkin bought a painting for less than $100 at a thrift store in White Plains, New York. She liked the work enough to take it home and display it, but she had no idea that the painting was by a well-known Scottish artist. According to People's magazine, Plotkin kept the painting in her home for nearly 60 years.

Times of India 49m ago

Beijing to ban drone possession, citing security

Beijing to ban drone possession, citing security BEIJING: Beijing will ban the possession of drones within city limits under new rules from November, further tightening regulations that already prohibited the sale of the devices. The rules, announced on Sunday (Sep 13) and due to take effect on Nov 15, forbid possessing or storing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in the Chinese capital and ban flights in its airspace. Transporting drones or their components into Beijing will also be forbidden.

Channel News Asia 50m ago

Is it true that … having a hot drink will cool you down?

Related Stories

Japan's biomass energy boom threatens further deforestation in Indonesia

Police open investigation after 2 men found dead at Hong Kong public flat

Painting bought for under $100 at thrift store sells for $189,200

Beijing to ban drone possession, citing security