The National Health Service has published official guidance on keeping homes cool during the current heatwave, as social media platforms circulate a surge of informal advice on coping with record temperatures. The NHS document, titled “Looking After Yourself and Others in Hot Weather,” recommends drawing curtains during peak sunlight, staying hydrated, and avoiding strenuous activity between 11am and 3pm. It also advises checking on elderly neighbours and those with underlying health conditions.
The guidance comes as temperatures in parts of southern England are expected to reach 38 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, prompting the Met Office to issue a level 3 heat health alert. Meanwhile, unofficial tips, including the use of foil on windows and freezing bed sheets, have gone viral on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram, raising concerns about potential safety risks. Fire services have warned against using fans in unoccupied rooms and leaving electrical appliances unattended.
The NHS statement emphasised that its advice is based on clinical evidence and urged the public to rely on official sources. The heatwave, which has already caused disruption to transport and increased pressure on emergency services, is forecast to peak later this week before a potential Atlantic front brings cooler weather.
