15 heatwave tips experts want people to know before homes get too hot this weekend

Doctors, sleep experts and official safety guidance explain the simple swaps that can make hot homes, sticky nights and overheated bedrooms easier to manage.

Published: May 22, 2026 at 10:40 AM

Save

The UK is bracing for another weekend of soaring temperatures, with highs expected to hit the high 20s and beyond in some areas. While sunshine is welcome, most British homes are designed to keep heat in, not out.

Ad

Official guidance warns that overheating is not just uncomfortable. The UK Health Security Agency says:

A hot home can worsen existing health conditions and can be fatal.

UK Health Security Agency

Children under 5, older people, pregnant women and those with long-term health conditions are among those most at risk.

The British Red Cross adds:

Most buildings in the UK aren't designed for very warm summers and aren't equipped with cooling devices like air-conditioning.

British Red Cross

The Climate Change Committee has also warned that without action, 92% of UK homes could overheat by 2050, with disrupted sleep and health impacts becoming more common.

The Sleep Charity says body temperature naturally drops in the evening to prepare us for sleep, and:

An ideal bedroom temperature is around 16-18°C.

The Sleep Charity

Anything above 24°C is likely to cause restlessness.

Here’s how to keep your home cooler, sleep better and stay safe this weekend.

10 household tips to keep your home cool

1. Keep curtains and windows closed during the day

Dr Deborah Lee, sleep expert for Comfybedss, says: “Curtains, blinds and even windows are recommended to be kept closed as much as possible.”

It may not seem like it, but more often than not inside your house will be the coolest place to be.

Dr Deborah Lee, sleep expert

This is backed by NHS and UKHSA advice, which recommends shutting windows and blinds during the hottest part of the day.

2. Open windows when the air outside is cooler

Energy Saving Trust advises opening windows on all sides of the house when the outside air is cooler, then closing them again once it warms up.

Dr Philippa Kaye adds:

At night, when the temperature inside your home is hotter than outside, open windows to let cool air in.

Dr Philippa Kaye, GP

3. Turn off heat-generating appliances

UKHSA advises switching off lights and electrical equipment not in use and cooking at cooler times of day. The British Red Cross also suggests avoiding ovens and hobs during peak heat.

4. Use fans safely

Fans can help circulate air, but UKHSA warns:

Use electric fans if the air temperature is below 35°C, but do not aim the fan directly at your body.

UK Health Security Agency

Keep water nearby and use fans to move air around the room rather than directly onto you.

5. Try the cold water bottle trick

Dr Lee suggests filling a hot water bottle with cold water and placing it in the freezer for 15 minutes before bed.

The Sleep Charity similarly recommends placing an ice-cold water bottle near your feet to lower overall skin temperature.

6. Cool your feet before bed

Dr Lee says wearing slightly damp cotton socks can help lower core body temperature.

The Sleep Charity also suggests cooling socks in the fridge, as cooling the feet can reduce overall body temperature.

7. Shower about 90 minutes before bed

“A lukewarm shower will help kickstart the natural temperature drop that your body needs to fall asleep,” says Dr Lee.

Cold showers immediately before bed can be counterproductive.

8. Create one designated cool room

If the whole house feels hot, the British Red Cross suggests focusing on one cooler room. Keep doors closed, block sunlight and avoid heat-heavy spaces like kitchens.

If your home becomes uncomfortably hot, UKHSA and the British Red Cross suggest considering cooler public spaces such as libraries or supermarkets if you can get there safely.

9. Know the signs of heat exhaustion

The NHS says symptoms in adults and children include tiredness, dizziness, headache, nausea, excessive sweating, cramps, fast breathing or heartbeat and high temperature.

If someone does not improve within 30 minutes of cooling down and drinking fluids, call 999.

Ad

If it turns into heatstroke, it needs to be treated as an emergency.

NHS

10. Check medicines are stored correctly

UKHSA advises checking packaging, as some medicines must be kept below 25°C or refrigerated.

5 extra tips if you have babies or young children

1. Keep baby’s room between 16–20°C where possible

The Lullaby Trust advises using a room thermometer and recommends that room temperatures for babies are 16-20°C so that they don’t get too hot. Use lighter bedding and point fans away from your baby.

2. Check their chest or neck, not hands and feet

The Lullaby Trust advises feeling a baby’s chest or the back of their neck to check if they are too hot. Remove a layer if skin feels clammy or sweaty.

3. Never cover a pram with a blanket

The Lullaby Trust warns that covering a buggy can trap heat. Use a breathable sunshade or parasol instead.

4. Watch for dehydration

Warning signs in babies include fewer wet nappies, no tears when crying, sunken eyes and unusual drowsiness or irritability. Dr Philippa Kaye says: “Make sure your baby or child is drinking plenty during hot weather.”

5. Remember heat illness can happen indoors

Heat does not just affect you outside, as Dr Philippa Kaye warns, "heat exhaustion can affect a child inside in a hot room, too." Keep an eye on symptoms and act quickly if someone becomes unwell.

Authors

Ruairidh PritchardDigital Growth Lead

Ruairidh is the Digital Lead on MadeForMums. He works with a team of fantastically talented content creators and subject-matter experts on MadeForMums.

Ad

Ad

Loading...

Ad

Loading...