Brits urged to put a towel in their freezer today as UK heatwave sizzles

Many Brits arein for another scorcher today, with the mercury set to rise to 36C in some parts of the country.

While many will be thrilled to be basking in temperatures that are hotter than Barbados, others will be struggling to get into the holiday spirit.

Navigating a heatwave in a country more equipped for rain and grey skies can be a challenge, particularly for those already struggling with illnesses or other vulnerabilities.

Parents also face a number of hurdles when it comes to making sure summer fun is enjoyed safely. It's well known that children, whose bodies are less efficient at regulating temperature, are more susceptible to the potential side effects of extreme hot weather, including dehydration and exhaustion.

With this in mind, parenting expert Harriet Shearsmith has shared the hack she uses for keeping her own kids cool in soaring temperatures.

READ MORE: Six major UK weather warnings issued for 36C heatwave as temperatures higher than Barbados

In a post penned for her much-loved blog Toby & Roo, Harriet, who is mum to Reuben, Tobias and Edith, revealed that she makes sure to have an 'ice towel' to hand, which works wonders when her little ones are struggling. She simply takes one of her towels from the bathroom cupboard and creates her own DIY cooling hack.

Advising how her followers could follow suit, Harriet, who wrote the parenting book Mummin' It, wrote: "I've actually just made one of these and whacked it in the freezer for when the kids come home, as I know Reuben is going to be finding it tough.

"It's exactly as it sounds – put a towel in cool water, wring it out until it's damp and then put it in the freezer – keep repeating. Drape over shoulders for a cooling effect, or hold against your head. This is also a good one if you're feeling sick, to be honest."

The savvy mum of three also shared her go-to bedtime hack, which has previously been tried and tested by Mirror writers - freezing your hot water bottle.

Turning this traditionally warm and cosy item on its head, Harriet revealed: "Yup, freeze a hot water bottle and take it to bed with you to help you sleep, or even just hold it against yourself on the sofa – but make sure you put it back in its cover or it might well freeze burn your skin! I've also seen this used inside pillow cases to try and keep a bit of cool, or to rest feet on!"

This comes as the Met Office forecasts intense heat across southern and eastern parts of England today (Tuesday, July 1) after the last day of June saw baking highs of 33C.

A number of areas across the regions will once again pass above 30C as a heatwave continues, with more changeable conditions expected across the rest of the UK.

Meanwhile, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued amber heat health alerts for Yorkshire and the Humber, the East Midlands, the West Midlands, the East of England, London, the South East and the South West, which have been extended until 9 am, Wednesday, July 2.

Those in the North West have also been given a yellow heat health alert, which has been extended to the same time.

Do you have a story to share? Email me at julia.banim@reachplc.com

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