People have been sharing their best heatwave hacks to keep cool, and some of them are pretty unusual – one in particular was inspired by the warm weather in Italy
The UK has been sweltering under what feels like an endless series of heatwaves this summer, with the temperature often soaring past 30 degrees. This has resulted in a rather sticky situation for many, leading to fans cranked up to the max and outfits at work becoming as skimpy as professionally possible. With the weather forecast predicting temperatures could rocket to around 40 degrees Celsius in the UK, there’s a growing sense of dread about how to keep cool and protect loved ones from the scorching heat.
We’re all clued up on slathering on the SPF and guzzling water like there’s no tomorrow, since even a short stroll can leave you drenched in sweat. But what are the real game-changers that can help us beat the heat without having to bail on social plans because it’s just too hot to handle?
Desperate for advice, one individual took to Reddit’s ‘Ask A Brit’ forum in search of some genius heatwave hacks. “Do you have any heatwave hacks?” they pleaded.
Their post went on: “With summer coming, can people tell me their heatwave hacks/tips that actually help keep me and my house cool? Before anyone says ‘just get on with it’ or ‘it doesn’t get that hot,’ I don’t handle the sun/heat well, and nothing you can say will change that”.
In response, fellow Redditors didn’t hesitate to offer up their best strategies, with one person recommending an Italian trick for dealing with the intense warmth and humidity that Europe is no stranger to.
One person recommended to “keep your curtains and blinds shut”. The logic behind this is that by keeping your curtains drawn, particularly during the sun’s peak hours, you minimise the amount of heat entering your home.
This aids in maintaining a cooler indoor temperature, making it easier for fans or air conditioning units to keep your living space comfortable. Moreover, curtains can serve as a barrier, slowing the transfer of heat from outside.
Another individual suggested placing a “jug of ice in front of a fan” as a DIY air conditioning unit to help cool down.
However, be mindful not to overfill the bowl or jug to avoid any spillages.
But it was an Italian-inspired heatwave hack that got people talking.
A Redditor shared: “Can’t remember where it was but saw a video (maybe Italy, the Balkans, anyway somewhere hot) and it had older people sitting about chatting like normal with their feet in a bucket of ice cold water. Tried it. Was so so good”.
In response, someone commented: “It totally works! I did this visiting family in Sicily when I was 7 months pregnant. Swollen ankles and 40 degree heat do not mix”.
Another tip was to run cold water over your wrists at the sink for a similar cooling effect.
One person shared: “Colleagues thought I was mad that I’d have a washing-up bowl of cold water (and a towel) under my desk for my feet … until they tried it! Had to lock my bowl in my desk after that”.
Another Redditor chimed in, stating that a swift “cool rinse” following a shower feels “legendary”.