Brits have been advised to avoid cooking during certain times of the day over the next few days. A Met Office meteorologist recently said that it is likely the UK will experience a third heatwave over the coming days, with temperatures set to rise from Thursday, July 10. The country has already experienced two heatwaves this summer, with many across the country finding it hard to sleep or work from home in the intense heat.
With another heatwave on the way, set to start this week and continue past the weekend, Brits have been urged to take certain actions and avoid certain activities while temperatures once again soar. Temperatures will reach the high 20s and 30s in many parts of the country from midday on Thursday, with Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday getting even hotter for some. Brits should avoid cooking when the temperatures get exceedingly high.
Generally, the highest temperatures will be between 12pm and 9pm from Thursday to Monday. Brits should avoid cooking during these times and if they need to prepare food, they are advised to make cold dishes instead of hot ones.
This is because ovens and stoves generate more heat when you are already struggling to keep your home cool during a heatwave. The British Red Cross says that you should “consider cooking at cooler times of the day, or choose meals that don’t require the use of an oven or hob that create additional heat”.
Other experts have told Brits to focus on things like cold soups, salads and meals that are cooked quickly in a heatwave. Households can also meal-prep ahead of heatwaves and simply heat these meals up in a microwave.
As well as avoiding the oven and stove, UK households should try not to use their washing machines during the upcoming heatwave, as this appliance can also generate excessive heat in an already warm home.
Additionally, you should close curtains and blinds during peak sunshine hours to keep the sun out, as it can warm up your already hot room. The Met Office‘s advice includes keeping hydrated in a heatwave, avoiding excess alcohol and keeping out of the sun between 11am and 3pm when UV rays tend to be the strongest.
You should also avoid exertion during the hottest hours of the day, so this includes exercising in a hot space or going for a run when temperatures are high.
