How to Stay Cool in a Heat Wave
Now that the dog days of summer are here, you can expect hot and humid weather. If you have air conditioning, it makes sense to enjoy the comforts of home, at least during the hottest times of the day.
With the summer of 2025 already breaking records, reported Nature, these high heat events are taxing places in Europe where cooling infrastructure is lacking and it will get even worse due to climate change.
But even if you don’t have AC, there are some simple ways to stay cool and protect your health, even during a heat wave.
Allow Cooler Air in and Manage Air Flow
In the early morning or at night, open windows on both sides of your home to help manage air flow by letting warm air out and cooler air in, reported the BBC. If you only have windows on one side, you can use a fan to push the hot air out. Since hot air rises, the windows open on upper floors to allow the heat to escape.
Keep Hot Air Out
In the hottest parts of the day, shut your windows and close your blinds or curtains. You can use put a fan by an open window but HuffPost cautions against using a fan when the indoor air is over 90 Fahrenheit (32 Celsius). Using a fan in high heat can raise your body temperature and make you even warmer.
Focus on Hydration
Make sure that you drink plenty of water or other hydrating beverages. Dehydration is a very big threat during a heat wave. You will know that you are not drinking enough if your mouth is dry, you have a headache, or if you feel dizzy. Seek medical attention if you feel disorientated.
Limit Hot Activities
Try to reduce cooking in the summer because ovens produce a lot of heat, advised BBC, and eat no-cook meals, salads and sandwiches instead. Use heat producing appliances like dryers and dishwashers in the evening hours.
Cool Yourself
When the heat gets to you, take a tepid shower (not cold), you can also use an ice pack to get some instant relief when coming in from the heat. Make sure that you dress in loose-fitting natural fibers and wear a hat. If you have to be outside, take a spray bottle, and a lot of water with you. But the best way to stay cool is to go to an air-conditioned place, like a cooling station, a mall, or a restaurant.
