Brits urged to splash water on clothes this week for crucial reason

As temperatures in the UK continue to soar once again, Brits are being told to do this one thing to help combat the sizzling weather.

Staying cool during the summer can be a struggle. Earlier this week, the Met Office confirmed that a third heatwave was coming and now UK households have been advised to take some precautions.

In particular, people over the age of 65 should plan their days and determine the best times to complete their chores, avoiding peak hours when the sun is at its hottest. This is between 11am and 3pm.

READ MORE: Brits told to close their doors and windows from 5am to 9pm this weekend

Age UK has released some heatwave pointers for the over 65 to follow. Caroline Abraham, Age UK's charity director, said: “Many parts of the country are about to embark on a prolonged period of extreme heat. When this happens, we especially worry about older people living in poorly ventilated modern homes, which were built primarily to ward off the cold.”

Expensive air conditioning units and electric fans aren’t accessible to everyone. So anyone who is struggling to cool down at home is urged to do a simple task to prevent themselves overheating.

Age UK asks people to splash cold water on clothes, as well have cold baths or showers when needed. The cold splash can keep clothes damp and help the body's temperature.

The advice said: “Have cool baths or showers and splash yourself with cool water. Sprinkling clothes with water regularly, splashing cool water on the face, and a damp cloth on the back of the neck helps temperature regulation.”

READ MORE: UK households warned over exact timing of showers as heatwave strikes

Some of the vulnerable members of society, along with the over 65 are at a heightened risk of heat-adverse symptoms if they cannot keep their body temperature down.

What are the symptoms of heat exhaustion?

Heat exhaustion occurs when your body becomes too hot due to the weather. As reported by the BBC, some of the obvious signs of heat exhaustion include excessive sweating, as well as feeling unwell and very hot.

Other symptoms include headache, dizziness, confusion, loss of appetite, muscle cramps, fast breathing or pulse, and thirst. Heat exhaustion can affect anyone, regardless of their age and health.

Therefore, and most importantly, to check on each other, as well as any elderly neighbours, to see if they need anything to cope with the excessive heat.