Hot weather

What to do in hot weather, how to help vulnerable neighbours, what to do if you're homeless and where to find cool spaces and water refills. 

Preparing yourself for hot weather 

  • store medicines in a cool place and read the label for instructions
  • check that fridges, freezers, and fans are working correctly

Preparing your home or indoor spaces for hot weather

  • use low energy lighting like LED lightbulbs as they generate less heat
  • insulate or seal hot water pipes
  • consider installing internal blinds or external shutters.
  • if you have a ventilation system in your home, check this is switched on and operating
  • if insulating or refurbishing your home, ask installers for advice about reducing overheating
  • growing plants outside can provide shade, which may be particularly helpful in front of south-facing windows, while plants inside may help cool the air
  • if your home is experiencing overheating even after cooling measures  then you can apply for planning permission to install air conditioning 

Power cuts

Power cuts are more likely to happen during a heatwave due to the increased pressure put on the national grid.

Find more information on what to do in a power cut and how you may be able to receive additional support. 

Make sure you or anyone you know who is more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses, sign up to your/their energy, gas and water supplier’s priority services register. 

Protecting yourself during heat

  • plan your journey and travel with water. Use a travel planner such as Citymapper that can inform you on which travel route has the least outdoor walking avoiding the sun, heat, rain and humidity
  • make sure you take water with you if you are travelling. Drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol. Find out where to refill water bottles for free using the Refill app
  • stay in the shade 
  • wear loose clothes, a wide brimmed hat and sunglasses
  • use lots of sunscreen. Check that the bottle says 30+ UPF. A number bigger than 30 is even better
  • if you are going to do a physical activity (for example walking the dog), plan to do these during times of the day when it is cooler, such as the morning or evening
  • Stay safe whilst swimming (e.g. always look for warning and guidance signs; only enter the water in areas with lifeguard cover)
  • If you are someone at higher risk of heat-related illness, ask your family, friends and neighbours to sign up to weather alerts and check in on you during hot weather episodes.
  • If you are experiencing heat exhaustion, move to a cooler place such as a room with air conditioning or in the shade (if outside), remove all unnecessary clothing like jackets or socks, and drink cool water, a sports or rehydration drink, and/or eat cold and water rich foods (such as ice lollies). 

How does hot weather affect your health

Hot weather can directly affect your health in the following ways:

  • Dehydration
  • Lung problems
  • Heart Attack
  • Heat Exhaustion
  • Heat Stroke 

Cooling your home or spaces

  • close external shutters, shade or cover windows, especially sun facing windows
  • only open your windows if the outdoor temperature is cooler than the inside (usually only open in morning and evening). When windows can be opened, maximise cross-ventilation
  • turn off any appliances that you do not need
  • consider cooking at cooler times of the day or preparing food that does not require use of heat
  • check that your heating is turned off and thermostat turned down if you have one
  • use electric fans if the air temperature is below 35 °C, but do not aim the fan directly at your body, as this can lead to dehydration 
  • increase evaporative cooling 
  • move to a cooler part of the house, especially for sleeping if possible
  • check the temperature of rooms, especially where people at higher risk live and sleep

What to do in hot weather 

See advice and support on what to do during very hot weather: 

Cool spaces and free water refills 

Cool spaces are indoor and outdoor areas where Londoners can cool down on hot days.

Find a venue in Haringey where you can go to cool down.

See refill.org.uk for where you can refill your water bottle for free.

We are always trying to increase the number of cool spaces available to support people during summer. If you are an organisation with a cool space (where residents can shelter from the sun, cool down, rest and take respite on hot days) you can view the criteria and sign up - Cool spaces.

People, homes and spaces that are more at risk 

Some people are more likely to be ill because of hot weather and should be extra careful during summer, this includes:

  • people aged 65 years and over 
  • babies and young children aged 5 years and under
  • people with heart problems, breathing problems, dementia, diabetes, kidney disease, Parkinson's disease
  • people with mobility problems, on certain medications, serious mental health problem, already ill and dehydrated (for example from diarrhoea and vomiting) 
  • people who experience alcohol or drug dependence
  • people who are physically active and spend a lot of time outside such as runners, cyclists and walkers, work in jobs that require manual labour or extensive time outside
  • people experiencing homelessness, including rough sleepers and those who are unable to make adaptations to their living accommodation such as sofa surfers or living in hostel, who live alone and may be unable to care for themselves
  • people who live in top floor, south facing flats (especially those which are well insulated against cold weather, with windows that do not open, and don’t have blinds/curtains)

Support for rough sleepers during hot weather

The Greater London Authority provided guidance to local authorities on what should happen during severe weather. The Severe Weather Emergency Protocol sets out the support for rough sleepers in periods of extreme weather, including the provision of shelter. Find out what you can do in hot weather if you're rough sleeping.

Further information

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