At home
Sleeping during hot nights
A cooler night starts with limiting heat gain during the day. The evening task is then to use the coolest forecast period without assuming sunset automatically means cooler air.
Prepare the room before bedtime
Shade windows exposed to direct sunlight during the day and turn off unnecessary electrical equipment. If another room stays cooler, consider using it for sleep during the hottest nights.
Use lighter bedding and clothing that feels comfortable. Keep water nearby and avoid adding unnecessary heat through late cooking or appliances in and around the bedroom.
Wait for useful outdoor air
The air outside can remain warmer than the bedroom for hours after sunset. Opening every window too early may slow the room's cooling rather than help it.
When outdoor air becomes cooler, open safe windows and create a path through the home. Rain, strong wind, noise, security and indoor air quality may limit how long windows can remain open.
Use the overnight low as a planning clue
The overnight low tells you how much cooling opportunity the weather may provide; it does not predict the temperature inside your bedroom. Insulation, sun exposure, upper floors and stored heat can all keep rooms warmer than the forecast air temperature.
Know when discomfort is becoming illness
Heat exhaustion can include tiredness, dizziness, headache, nausea, heavy sweating, cramps and intense thirst. Move to a cooler place, remove unnecessary clothing, give fluids and cool the skin.
If someone is still unwell after 30 minutes of cooling and fluids, or develops confusion, a seizure, loss of consciousness, very hot skin or fast breathing, follow NHS emergency advice.
Use the forecast
Plan tonight with the sleep forecast