Uk households told to close curtains and blinds 'from saturday'

IT COMES AS A CHANGE IN TEMPERATURES IS EXPECTED THIS WEEKEND 16:21, 30 May 2025Updated 16:33, 30 May 2025 UK households are being urged to close their curtains from Saturday this week.

After several weeks of splendid sunshine and the UK's 'sunniest spring' on record, the UK weather predictably reverted back to rain and grey skies just in time for the Bank

Holiday. However, according to Met Office forecasts, much of the country can expect a return of the hot conditions this coming weekend. The highest temperatures will be recorded in the south

and southeast of England this week, the Met Office says, reaching highs of 26C on Saturday, before dropping to 21C on Sunday. The weather is then set to gradually heat up throughout the

week, with 24C predicted for Friday, rising to 25C on Saturday. This bout of warm weather is prompting advice to households on how to stay cool during the sunshine. Given that British homes

are typically designed to retain heat due to our generally mild climate and cold winters, our properties are not well-equipped for extreme heat, quickly becoming uncomfortably hot and humid,

reports the Express. Article continues below Official guidance cautions that excessively high indoor temperatures can pose serious health risks, including the potential for heat stroke. As

such, Brits are being advised to draw their curtains and blinds and close their windows during the hottest parts of the day from Saturday, 31 May, as a means to combat the intense heat

pervading homes across the nation. To help keep homes cool, the UK Health Security Agency recommends keeping curtains and blinds shut during intense sunshine, along with any windows that

face the sun. In a heatwave guidance, the government advises on strategies to prevent overheating in homes by maintaining cooler living spaces. The UKHSA advises keeping windows, curtains,

and blinds closed in sun-facing rooms to maintain a cooler environment at home during heatwaves. Direct sunlight streaming through windows can cause house temperatures to rapidly rise due to

the 'greenhouse effect'. Closing curtains is the easiest solution when sunlight enters a room. The UKHSA's guidance advises against sun exposure between 11 am to 3 pm,

suggesting that physical activities like exercising or walking the dog be scheduled during cooler periods of the day, like mornings or evenings. The agency adds: "If you're

planning on physical activities like exercising or walking the dog, it's advised to arrange them during cooler parts of the day like the morning or evening. "Keep your home cool by

shutting windows and drawing curtains in rooms that are exposed to the sun. "When venturing outdoors, ensure you're appropriately dressed with suitable headgear and sunglasses,

seek out shade where possible and apply sun cream." The guidance stresses: "Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids and try to limit your alcohol consumption." Article

continues below In terms of community support, it advises: "Check up on family members, friends and neighbours who may be more susceptible to heat-related illnesses. If you fall into

this category, ask them to do the same for you." Moreover, it cautions: "Be aware of the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke and know what actions to take if you or someone

else exhibits these signs." According to the UK forecast from the Met Office for Friday into Saturday: "Unsettled conditions continue Friday with rain spreading across the country,

though some areas may stay dry and bright. Sunny spells and scattered showers follow into the weekend. Warm Saturday."