How to stay cool in hot weather
On warm days, or during a heatwave, regulating your temperature can seem impossible. But do tips like drinking hot drinks to cool down really work, or is it all just a big myth? Well, here at Bitesize, we've answered that question for you, as well as putting together our hot take (groan) on the best ways to stay comfortable when it's super sunny outside.
1. What counts as a heatwave?
A heatwave is officially defined as three days in a row where temperatures match, or are higher than, the official ‘heatwave temperature threshold’. This number is different for different areas of the UK but varies between from 25C (77F) across the north and west of the UK, to 28C (82.4F) in parts of eastern England. Toasty!
2. What is the highest temperature recorded in the UK?
A record-high temperature for the UK of 40.3C (104.5F) was recorded at Coningsby in Lincolnshire on the 19 July 2022.
A new record of 34.8C (94.6F) was recorded in Scotland on the same day in Charterhall (Scottish borders).
In Wales, a temperature of 37.1C (98.8F) was recorded the day before, on 18 July 2022 in Hawarden (Flintshire).
In 2025, all four UK nations have recorded their warmest spring on record, with Northern Ireland and Scotland seeing temperatures up to 1.6°C(34.9F) above average.
3. Hot weather must-dos to stay safe
Drink plenty of water. The NHS recommends six to eight glasses of water a day, but you may need a little more to stay hydrated when it’s really warm.
Wear suncream! This is a non-negotiable, even when it’s not as sunny. Apply a high-factor suncream regularly if you're outside.
Try your best to stay out of the sun between 11am and 3pm when it is at its strongest. Why not find a patch of shade and read a book while it cools down?
4. Pets need help staying cool too
Did you know, your pets can need suncream too! Dab a little on their ears and noses to prevent sunburn (after checking with an adult first).
You can also make sure your pet has plenty of access to fresh water, and has some shade where they can rest.
If you have a dog, avoid walking it in the middle of the day when the sun is at its highest, the pavement can get particularly hot and scald their paws. Early in the morning is the best time, when it’s much cooler.
5. Top tips for staying cool
Opening windows on the shady side of your house, and closing them on the sunny side can help keep your rooms cool.
If you have an electric fan, try placing it in front of an open window when it’s gone a little bit cooler (maybe in the evening). This will help circulate fresh air. If you don't have one, try making your own handheld fan instead as a short-term solution!
A quick trick for cooling down is to pop your (clean!) socks in the fridge before you wear them – just not on top of the ingredients for tonight’s tea!
Wearing loose, light-coloured clothing is the best idea when it's warm. Cotton and linen fabrics will help keep you feeling fresh.
6. Can hot drinks really cool you down?
Well… sort of!
A study in Australia, where nine people exercised for 75 minutes before being given drinks at different temperatures, found that no matter how hot or cold the drink, your body will respond to keep your core temperature steady, usually at around 37C. So if you have a drink of hot tea when you’re warm, your body will sweat faster to cool you down. After a cold drink, your body will sweat more slowly. The main thing to remember is to stay hydrated – hot or cold will do the job just as well!
Learn more about the weather
Want to learn more about weather and how it can affect our communities? Find some shade and check out the links below.
