Summer is nearly here, and with it comes pleasant weather. But sometimes, a single fan is insufficient to keep yourself cool. Check out the counties where a heatwave is expected, and some natural ways to stay cool while the humidity rises.
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Counties suffering from heatwave
The weather and climate body said the three-day temperature threshold for a heatwave would increase from 27°C to 2°8C.
Surrey, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, and Cambridgeshire are the six counties in the UK where the heatwave will be most felt.
Dr Mark McCarthy, the head of the Met Office National Climate Information Centre, reports:
Climate statistics over time reveal an undeniable warming trend for the UK. Temperature rise has been greatest across parts of central and eastern England where they have increased by more than 1.0C in some locations, while further north areas of Scotland and Northern Ireland have seen temperatures rise by closer to 0.7C.
Read more:
⋙ Heatwave hack: how to sleep through the night without using a fan
⋙ How to keep your house cool in the summer heat
3 heatwave hacks
Dr. McCarthy explains why these heatwaves are so intense:
As greenhouse gas concentrations increase, heatwaves of similar intensity are projected to become even more frequent, perhaps occurring as regularly as every other year.
We present you 3 methods to beat the heat:
1. Linen
Tired of soaking in sweat when asleep? Good linen absorbs a lot of moisture before you even realize you're sweating. It can be a great fabric to wear and sleep on during the heatwave. It's also a moisture-wicking fabric, which means it can quickly collect perspiration and disperse it back into the atmosphere.
2. Ventilation
High humidity in poor ventilation increases the temperature indoors. For this reason, it is advised to make the most of cross ventilation. Ventilated spaces often provide a cooling environment indoors, ensuring a pathway for air circulation. When the heatwave hits, don't forget to ventilate your environment.
3. Plants
Indoor plants are a natural method to improve air quality and keep our homes cooler in the summer. Carbon dioxide is absorbed by plants, oxygen is released by them, and as a result the air we breathe in is fresh.