Last updated: 29 July 2023
London is in the midst of a heatwave unlike any other… well not since 2006 when it was just 1°C hotter. Let’s face it, London doesn’t cope well in the heat. Air-conditioning is virtually non-existent, transport turns to chaos as train tracks buckle and let’s not begin to discuss the situation on the Central line.
While some parts of the world, a 30°C day in summer is normal. These are the places where everyone gets a bit whiffy and that’s just the way it is and life goes on. But for Londoners, summer seems to creep up and slap you in the face like an angry wife who just discovered your mistress. Never mind all the complaints and whinging that comes along with it!
What makes me an expert?
I’ve had it good. I grew up on the beach, the sunny shores of Australia’s east coast, I’m someone who’s lived and breathed heatwaves for a lifetime. There were days when the sand was so hot you couldn’t walk on it. I’ve been sunburnt to resemble a lobster and made some mistakes of walking barefoot on hot melted tar roads. So yes I’ve had my fair share of the sun.
1. Stay out of the sun
Seems like a really obvious tip but one many often overlook. The sun is the hottest between 1100-1500, this is when you’re most likely to burn. Walking down the street, stick to the shady side, walk through the park under the canopy of the trees or use an umbrella. No one says you have to eat lunch at your desk, just stay in the shade.
2. Clothing
Jeans, lycra and polyester on a 30°C heatwave is simply a silly choice. Aim for loose fitting clothing of a lighter colour. Natural fibres are cooler so look for cotton or linen. These natural fibres absorb moisture, dry quickly and allow everything to breathe. These generally crease the most, so if you have a VIP meeting, your safari linen trousers probably aren’t ideal but at least you’ll be cooler than the guy in the black suit!
Consider wearing sandals rather than enclosed shoes. Common footwear is made from synthetic materials which can trap in the heat making you feel hotter than you already are.
Got long hair? Tie it up. You won’t feel as sticky and the airflow onto the back of your neck will help you feel cooler.
3. Drink
No, not booze. Drink water, and lots of it. Think you’ve had enough, drink some more. Dehydration is the first thing that will strike you down on a dessert island, and the same applies to a city like London. As you sweat, you are losing liquid from your body, meaning you need to take on more to stay hydrated.
Dehydration symptoms include headaches and lethargy.
If you’re tired of water, opt for cordial, juice or fruits like watermelon. Alcohol and caffeine will dehydrate you so compensate with fluids.
4. Your home
This is the tricky one. Homes in the UK all vary in build, age and features. So use some of these tips with your best judgement. Some houses are well insulated and thus keep the house cool when it’s hot outside and keep it warm when it’s cool outside. Unfortunately, in my experience there isn’t enough of this across the UK.
Know what sun you get.
Does your flat fill with direct sun in the morning but pass by noon? If so, keep your windows and blinds shut until the sun passes over you, then open everything to get a breeze. Get afternoon sun? Do the reverse.
Thick blinds and curtains can help block out much of the direct sun but can also have a negative effect, they can restrict airflow. Keep this in mind when airing your house.
6. Shelve your exercise routine
No need to run around the block in ridiculous heat when outside is as hot as a Bikram yoga class. Rest, be quiet or work at your desk.
Be prepared for the odd downpour as summer showers are often the norm.
Your say:
How do you manage in a heatwave?
Should have read these tips before I headed out for the day yesterday – roasting! I\’m pretty good at taking hot day precautions but here in London, I tend to be a bit too casual acting as if somehow, just because it\’s home, I won\’t end up dehydrated or with heatstroke!
Glad I can impart some wisdom!