Once upon a time, a British summer meant a few days of warmth, a trip to the coast, and a battle for the last 99 Flake. But those days are behind us.
In July 2022, the UK passed a historic milestone when Coningsby, Lincolnshire, hit 40.3 °C – the first time the country had ever topped 40 °C, beating the previous record of 38.7 °C set in July 2019.
Fast-forward to spring 2025 – provisionally the warmest and sunniest on record, with a mean temperature of 9.5 °C and average daytime highs reaching 14.6 °C and more than 653 hours of sunshine. Summer followed swiftly, with a heatwave already pushing temperatures above 33 °C in parts of the country.
And the heat hasn’t let up. A second spell of extreme warmth is now under way, with amber Heat-Health Alerts in place across southern and eastern regions from 27 June to 1 July.
It’s a far cry from 50 years ago, when spring averages in the mid-1970s hovered around 7 to 8 °C, and a typical summer day peaked at just 25 to 28 °C. Experts say extreme heat events are now up to 10 times more likely than they were then.
How to keep cool when your house won’t
The trouble in the UK is that most homes are built to retain heat through the winter, but in summer, that warmth gets trapped well into the evening. This can make rooms feel uncomfortably hot, especially for older adults, whose bodies find it harder to regulate temperature and are more prone to dehydration.
The good news? You don’t need to make drastic changes. Just a few smart, budget-friendly tweaks can help keep your home cooler and comfortable.
Fan of a breeze? Try this airflow trick
Most fans don’t cool air – they help your body cool itself by moving air across your skin. But here’s a trick that works: Place a fan in a window, facing outwards, in the early morning or evening when the air outside is cooler. This pushes warm air out. Then open a window on the opposite side of the house to create cross-ventilation.
Top tip: Only do this when the outside air is cooler than indoors – usually before 9am or after sunset. During the heat of the day, keep windows and blinds shut to block hot air.
Sleeping better in the heat
Struggling to sleep in the heat? Your bedding could be to blame.
Swap out heavy duvets for a light 4.5 tog or just a flat cotton sheet. Natural fabrics like cotton or linen breathe better and help your body stay cool through the night.
Some people swear by chilling a hot water bottle in the freezer and placing it near their feet for instant relief. And don’t forget to keep curtains closed during the day to block out the sun, then open windows safely in the evening to let cooler air in.
Keep kitchens and bodies cool
It may sound obvious, but avoid adding extra heat to your home. Ovens and hobs give off a surprising amount of warmth, so opt for no-cook meals like salads, cold pasta or chilled soups. Try to save chores like laundry and washing up for the cooler hours of the morning or evening.
Hydration is also vital. Older adults may not feel thirst as strongly, so sip water often. Keep a jug in the fridge and add lemon, cucumber or mint for a refreshing boost
Why it matters – and what you can do
Heatwaves are no longer rare. Summers this hot are on track to become the UK norm by 2050, with experts warning that future heatwaves could reach 46 °C – a far cry from the breezy summers many of us remember.
Without changes, the risks to our comfort and wellbeing will only grow. But small adjustments can make a big difference. Use fans wisely. Block midday sun. Keep meals light. Choose breathable bedding. And most importantly - stay hydrated.
British summers may be changing, but with a little preparation, you can enjoy them safely, comfortably and on your own terms.
Looking to keep cool? Head to Yimbly to find everything you need to help you beat the heat.
Figures and guidance sourced from the Met Office, UKHSA (UK Health Security Agency) and ONS (Office for National Statistics).
