I live in London, where we're experiencing our 5th heat wave. I have no AC, so here's how I'm surviving my workday.
The UK is going through its fifth heat wave this summer, making work, commuting, and dinner nearly impossible for me. I found some ways to stay cool.
London is currently experiencing its fifth heat wave of the summer, with temperatures hitting a scorching 101 degrees. Many Londoners, like Roya Shahidi, are struggling to stay cool without air conditioning. Roya shares her daily struggles and survival strategies during the heat wave. She mentions that her job requires her to work in an air-conditioned office, which is a relief compared to her hot flat.
Roya relies on a fan to stay cool at work and emphasizes the importance of wearing a sweater in the office. When she gets off work, she enjoys socializing outdoors at riverside and park-side venues, which are popular alternatives to indoor spaces during the heat wave. The restaurant reporting and intelligence firm Tenzo notes that outdoor venues are outperforming indoor ones in London and the South East.
To combat the heat, Roya finds a fan essential for sleeping, and the sales of fans have skyrocketed, with Alex Baldock, CEO of Currys, reporting a nearly 3,000% increase in June. Despite the availability of outdoor pools and lidos, booking them in advance is a challenge due to high demand. London's parks and fields have turned into dusty brown grounds due to drought, affecting local festivals.
Roya has adjusted her diet to include no-cook foods and has invested in a paper fan, although it has caused wrist pain. With the heat wave worsening and outdoor temperatures reaching freezing in some areas, many Londoners are opting for staycations in cooler regions, such as Scandinavian countries, or visiting Dublin, where temperatures are usually milder.
Written by urgent.news from Business Insider's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
