We’re having (another) heatwave!

[Library photo of previous Bath Carnival procession]

I am trying to check on arrangements for the Bath Carnival procession, which is due to leave Bath Rec and proceed into Great Pulteney Street at 3 pm tomorrow, Saturday, July 12th.

We’re experiencing the third heatwave of this summer, with Amber Alerts being issued for parts of the country and temperatures likely to reach 34 °C in some parts.

In the meantime, the Mayor of Bath, Cllr Professor Bharat Pankhania, has been in touch. As well as his civic duties he is of course a medical man and an expert in public health matters.

In that role, he has sent me the following article on how to stay safe in a heatwave.

As record-breaking heatwaves become more frequent, understanding effective, evidence-based ways to stay cool and care for each other is vital.

Here’s a refined set of tips, grounded in scientific research and woven with community spirit.

🌡️ Who’s Most Vulnerable?

Scientific studies highlight that individuals aged 75+, infants and young children, pregnant women, and those with chronic conditions (e.g., heart, respiratory, kidney diseases, diabetes) face significantly higher risks during heatwaves. People living alone, in poor housing, or working outdoors are also particularly at risk.

🧠 Evidence-Based Cooling Strategies

1. Light, loose-fitting clothing
   Wearing breathable, natural fabrics like cotton or linen helps heat escape from the body 
2. Keep curtains/blinds closed during the day
   Blocking sunlight helps maintain lower indoor temperatures, reducing heat stress 
3. Increase ventilation strategically
   Open windows in the early morning and evening when outdoor air is cooler, and close them during peak hours 
4. Move to the coolest rooms
   Basements, north-facing rooms, or heavily shaded spaces naturally stay much cooler—ideal refuges during peak heat.
5. Use water to cool
   • Tepid (not icy) showers or baths accelerate cooling. Studies show tepid showers improve thermal comfort compared to no cooling, and although cold-water immersion is faster, tepid showers are practical at home 
   • Wetting skin with spray bottles, damp cloths, or wearing wet clothing enhances cooling through evaporation 

1. Stay hydrated
   Drink 2–3 L of water daily (≈1 cup/hour), and supplement electrolytes as needed. Avoid alcohol and limit caffeine 
2. Avoid high-exertion activities
   Schedule outdoor tasks for early morning or late evening. Rest often and avoid midday heat 
3. Use electric fans wisely
   Fans help cool only if indoor temperatures are below ~35 °C. Above that, they can worsen heat stress by blowing hot air 

1. Use air-conditioned or public cool spaces
   Spending even a few hours in air-conditioned environments (home, library, cooling centre) significantly reduces heat illness risk 
2. Check indoor temperatures
   Keep daytime temps below ~32 °C and nighttime below ~24 °C—critical levels to reduce strain on the heart and body 
3. Microfibre ice towels, recharged with cool or even room temperature water, placed over the neck and head are also excellent for cooling if one is out and about in the heat.  

❤️ The Power of Neighbourly Care

Science and public health experts stress the importance of neighbour-to-neighbour checks during heatwaves to protect isolated and vulnerable individuals. Here’s how Bath can harness this:

• Frequent check-ins: Visit or call at-risk neighbours (elderly, unwell, living alone) 2–3 times a day.
• Share cooling aids: Bring ice lollies, chilled drinks, wet cloths, or portable fans.
• Help create cool zones: Assist with closing blinds, setting up fans, or guiding them to cooler rooms.

Tip Category	Action
Clothing & Shade	Light, loose fabrics; keep curtains/blinds shut during peak sun
Airflow & Water	Ventilate in cool hours; tepid showers; wet cloths/spray bottles
Hydration & Routine	Drink 2–3 L; limit caffeine/alcohol; avoid midday exertion
Mechanical Cooling	Use fans when <35 °C; air-con or public cooling spaces
Temperature Control	Maintain safe indoor temps (≤32 °C day; ≤24 °C night)
Community Care	Ventilate in cool hours, tepid showers; wet cloths/spray bottles

By combining scientifically validated cooling techniques with sincere neighbourly care, Bath can not only weather the heat but also strengthen the bonds that define our city. Stay safe, stay cool—and above all, look after each other.