Britain is bracing for another blistering heatwave, with temperatures predicted to hit 32C today – less than a month after the last scorcher. Amber warnings cover large parts of southern England, and forecasters say there is a 40% chance of exceeding the highest ever June temperature of 35.6C, set in 1957 and 1976.
As the mercury climbs, attention has turned to keeping homes cool without air conditioning. One technique gaining traction: hanging cold, damp towels in your windows. Deyan Dimitrov, laundry expert and founder of Laundryheap, explains that the method involves suspending chilled, damp towels at key entry points such as windows and doors. “As the water evaporates from the surface of the towels, it cools the surrounding air, creating a natural cooling effect,” he said.
“Brits are told to hang damp cold towels in windows as temperatures hit 32C in a heatwave with amber alerts.”
The trick requires only clean towels and cold water. Dimitrov recommends refreshing them every four hours to maintain the effect. Positioning damp towels in front of a fan can also help.
For those in multi-storey homes, another tip comes from Mikey Story of UK Flat Roofing & Insulation Specialists: open the loft window. “The upper floor of a home is typically the warmest,” he said, suggesting that letting hot air escape from the top can cool the whole house.
The amber alert, issued by the UK Health Security Agency, covers London, the South East, the South West, and the East of England, and remains in place until 8pm on Tuesday. The alert warns of increased demand on health services for vulnerable people and those over 65 with pre-existing conditions.
With the UK set to be hotter than Barbados this weekend, the UKHSA has also highlighted the risk of water-related incidents, including cold-water shock and drowning. As the heatwave intensifies, Brits are being urged to take simple steps – from wet towels to loft windows – to stay cool.