Households urged to close curtains 'from Saturday'

After a few weeks of glorious sunshine, inevitably the UK weather swapped back to rain and grey skies just in time for the Bank Holiday.

But this weekend coming, the hot conditions are set to return for much of the country, according to the Met Office forecasts, leading to households being issued advcie on how to keep cool in the warer weather.

On Saturday, May 31, conditions are set to return to 25C in London as well as several other parts of the UK, with the grey rain being cleared out by a warmer front. The weather will gradually warm up through the week, with 24C forecast for Friday and then 25C on Saturday.

Temperatures will then drop back down to 20C on Sunday and Monday, the forecaster has predicted.

Due to the typical British architecture designed to retain heat for our generally mild climate and chilly winters, our homes are ill-prepared for extreme heat, quickly transforming into uncomfortably hot and humid sweat boxes.

Official guidance warns that excessively high indoor temperatures can pose serious health risks, including the threat of heat stroke.

Now, Brits are again being urged to draw their curtains and blinds and close their windows during the hottest parts of the day, from Wednesday until at least Saturday, May 31 as a measure to combat the sweltering heat engulfing homes across the nation.

A top tip from the UK Health Security Agency to cool down your house (or flat) is to keep curtains and blinds shut during periods of intense sunshine, as well as any windows themselves if they face the sun.

In its vital heatwave advice, the government has outlined strategies to prevent homes from overheating, which includes keeping living spaces cool.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has shared recommendations for maintaining cooler home environments amid heatwaves, emphasising the importance of keeping windows and curtains or blinds closed "in rooms that face the sun".

Direct sunlight on windows causes a rapid increase in house temperature. This phenomenon, akin to the 'greenhouse effect' observed in Earth's Ozone layer, intensifies the heat within houses as it does within greenhouses.

As a result, if you find sunlight streaming through any window, the easiest solution would be to draw the curtains.

The complete guidance from the UKHSA advises people to avoid sun exposure during the day's hottest hours - between 11 am to 3 pm.

The UKHSA adds: "If you're planning on physical activities like exercising or walking the dog, it's advised to arrange them during cooler parts of the day like the morning or evening."

"Keep your home cool by shutting windows and drawing curtains in rooms that are exposed to the sun."

"When venturing outdoors, ensure you're appropriately dressed with suitable headgear and sunglasses, seek out shade where possible and apply sun cream."

"Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids and try to limit your alcohol consumption."

"Check up on family members, friends and neighbours who may be more susceptible to heat-related illnesses. If you fall into this category, ask them to do the same for you."

"Be aware of the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke and know what actions to take if you or someone else exhibits these signs."

The Met Office UK forecast for Friday into Saturday says: "Unsettled conditions continue Friday with rain spreading across the country, though some areas may stay dry and bright. Sunny spells and scattered showers follow into the weekend. Warm Saturday.