UK households are being urged to place bowls of water on their windowsills from today as temperatures are expected to reach 33°C. The Met Office has forecast glorious sunshine over the spring bank holiday weekend, with the heatwave peaking on Monday. Southern England and the Midlands will see the mercury climb to 33°C, accompanied by dry and sunny conditions across most of the UK, though some cloud and showers are possible in Northern Ireland and western Scotland.
Breaking temperature records
The all-time May temperature record currently stands at 32.8°C, recorded in Camden Square on May 22, 1922, and again in Horsham, Tunbridge Wells, and Regent's Park on May 29, 1944. Forecasters expect this milestone to be broken on Monday.
With such exceptional heat, keeping homes comfortable can be challenging, often leading to restless nights. Most British homes are built to retain warmth, and without air conditioning, cooling down quickly is not easy.
Simple and budget-friendly solution
Energy specialists recommend placing bowls of cold water throughout your home, such as on windowsills or worktops, during hot weather. This surprisingly efficient method works as the water absorbs heat from the air and converts it into vapour, reducing the overall temperature indoors.
LEAP Energy Advice said: "Although it may seem peculiar, placing bowls of water around the house can aid in cooling the hot air. This simple technique can be surprisingly effective."
Enhancing the effect
This cooling method works especially well when the bowl is placed near an open window or in front of a fan, as the breeze helps circulate cooler air. For a quick cool-down, place a bowl of ice and cold water in front of a fan's blades. The air passing over the icy water creates a refreshing sensation, like a DIY air conditioner.
While a fan increases energy use, it costs far less than an air conditioning unit—up to 40 times less. The tip is endorsed by British Gas as an affordable way to stay cool. British Gas advises: "To really cool down a room with a fan, place a deep dish of ice in front of it to whip up the water mist and chill the breeze. You can also point a box fan out of an open window in the evenings to push hot air out."
By following these simple steps, households can enjoy a cooler home without breaking the bank.
