UK households urged to keep windows closed from Friday until Saturday
Brits are being warned to keep their windows shut - along with their curtains and blinds - from today until at least Saturday as temperatures soar unexpectedly.
Today saw a sharp rise in the mercury, with the Met Office confirming a sizzling 29.3C at Kew Gardens, London. While the heat is set to dip slightly, parts of the UK can still anticipate balmy conditions on Friday and Saturday. Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Michael Silverstone commented on Wednesday: "We are experiencing a brief very warm or even hot spell, which isn't abnormal for the time of year. However, if we reach 30C on Thursday, May 1, it will be the earliest date in May that the UK has seen 30C since our records began in 1860."
He added: "This week has already seen highs of 24.5C at St James's Park on Monday and 24.9C at Ross-on-Wye and Trawsgoed on Tuesday. Temperatures are set to climb to 29C or even 30C [on Thursday]. By Friday, the heat will start to ease, though parts of the south and south east may still reach 27C or 28C. The weekend will bring cooler conditions, with more average temperatures for all parts by Sunday."
As the UK faces a scorching May sun, our homes are heating up - challenging the high insulation designed for chilly British winters. It means British households are encouraged to introduce steps that will maintain cooler indoor environments during sunny spells.
Energy experts are dishing out advice on how to keep our homes cool without burning cash. OVO Energy advises against the urge to open windows during a heatwave, saying: "Tempting as it is to fling open the windows at the first sign of summer, it's not actually the best idea. To keep your house cool, you need to keep the hot air out."
The firm suggests keeping windows firmly shut. It added: "This means keeping windows closed during the day – particularly south-facing windows. Keep curtains, blinds and windows shut when the sun is shining directly on them, and when you're out. Try opening windows on the most shaded side of your home, to avoid sunlight and hot air getting in."
BOXT's Andy Kerr says Brits struggle with getting rid of the heat because homes here are built like toasty fortresses designed to cling onto warmth. Many believe that blasting fans or leaving windows wide open will cut through the heat – but Andy says otherwise.
He said: "Getting rid of unwanted heat in your home can be difficult in the summer months, especially when most UK properties are built to retain heat. While grabbing a fan or opening up all your windows are often mentioned as effective ways to cool your home, these methods may not result in the desired results.
"To help homeowners keep cool as the warmer months approach, we have revealed which common home cooling hacks are myths and why they don't work so you can avoid them this summer. When temperatures are particularly warm, opening up all your windows will let more hot air into your home, heating up your home and making you feel warmer.
"Instead of opening all your windows, it is much better to strategically open windows to create cross breezes throughout the day and open your windows during the night to let cooler air in."
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