Twitter users share top tips for keeping cool in the heatwave
If you aren’t aware that we’re in the midst of a heatwave, a quick look on Twitter will confirm it.
The word “slept” is trending, simply because us Brits are so eager to share how little sleep we had last night.
Amongst the sleep updates, lightening photos and reminders that it’s “only going to get hotter”, there are some pearls of wisdom on how to deal with the heat.
Grab a cup of tea (because for some reason we’re all still drinking tea) and let’s get stuck in.
READ MORE: Why do we need to sleep with a blanket in the heat?
London Underground free water
To everybody commuting in this heat, we salute you.
The London Underground is hard enough to deal with at the best of times, but TfL staff are making it a bit more manageable by giving out free drink bottles.
Overground staff giving out free drink bottles this morning to prepare people for the #heatwave pic.twitter.com/ntiywICa3q
— Lauren Ingram (@laureningram) July 24, 2019
The water bottle also comes with a little advice card.
“Please help others off the train if they are ill. We can provide better care of the platform.”
“If you feel unwell while on a train, ask for a seat.”
READ MORE: What happens to your body when it gets too hot?
Walking your dog
“If you can’t stand on the pavement barefoot for seven seconds, it’s too hot for your dog.”
That advice comes from one Twitter user who says that missing a walk won’t kill them, but the heat might.
Please consider alternatives to walking your dog during the heatwave :( The general rule is to go out barefoot and if you can't stand on the pavement for 7 secs, it's too hot. Give them cooler indoor enrichment instead. Missing a walk won't kill them, but the heat might. https://t.co/YYnH66XSDc
— skyegazing 🔭 (@skyezera) July 24, 2019
Just driven home in 30*c temperatures and I’ve seen 5 people walking their dogs on the pavements ffs #heatwave #Pleasedont pic.twitter.com/dgqqxp3oiv
— Sarah B (@SarahVB71) July 23, 2019
The RSPCA also recommends never leaving your dog in a car, conservatory, outbuilding of caravan during a heatwave, only if it’s for a short while.
If in doubt, it’s best to take a rain check on the dog walk.
Visit a museum or cathedral
Did you know it’s just 16°C in Winchester Cathedral’s crypt at the moment?
Generally speaking, old buildings are colder all year round. That might not be a good feature in the cold of winter, but on a day like today, we’re happy to be fully immersed in the crypt life.
It's a pleasant 16°C in our Crypt at the moment #keepcool #heatwave pic.twitter.com/uM7xt44kCJ
— Winchester Cathedral (@WinCathedral) July 24, 2019
READ MORE: 9 heatwave mistakes we’re all making
Shower in your clothes
We’ve heard of freezing your pillow cases, but showering in our clothes is a new one.
One Twitter user suggests showering in your clothes and then letting yourself dry in front of a fan.
Survey says: genius.
#heatwave status: had a shower IN MY DRESS and now sitting in front of a fan. Highly recommended
— Kate Davies (@Katyemdavies) July 24, 2019
Support homeless people and public workers
Being homeless during a heatwave can be extremely dangerous. So can working outside in boiling hot conditions.
One Twitter user has suggested simply “buying them a cold drink”.
“They [public workers] have little choice in the uniform they wear, & in this hot weather any small gesture will surely be welcomed.”
If you come across any of our public workers, maybe think about buying them a cold drink. They have little choice in the uniform they wear, & in this hot weather any small gesture will surely be welcomed.
And please, don't demonize the homeless, they're suffering too.#Heatwave— Fidgetpie ♿ (@ShropsFidgetpie) July 24, 2019