How hot is a heatwave?

We find out how temperatures spike in our cars, on our pavements and how to cool off.

Published 12th Jul 2022

Whether it's freezing water bottles, tiptoeing across the pavement in your bare feet, or opening your car door hours before you drive, the heat makes us do some odd things.

Temperatures are blazing across the UK and they're set to hit 35C in some parts this weekend.

But, have you ever wondered just how hot the blazing sun makes those surfaces, and why it's so hard to grip the steering wheel without burning yourself?

We've been out in Weymouth, Dorset, with a thermometer to gauge the hottest parts of a trip to the beach - and some of the ways to cool off.

First and foremost - be warned. Your car is going to be very hot if it's been sat in the sun. The highest reading we got out of a whole day was 69.5C (Two thirds of the way towards boiling!) pointing towards a steering wheel.

The glass outside of the car alone measured in at 49.7C.

Once you manage to cool the car down and get to the beach, the first thing many of us will do is whip of our shoes and walk across the sand. It won't feel as hot as your car, but it's going to have you hopping on your feet at least a little bit...

Dog owners are being warned the pavement might be too hot for your pooch. Instead the RSPCA are advising walking your dogs either early in the morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler.

If you don't have a temperature gun like us, try touching the pavement with your hand. If it's too hot for you, it's too hot for them.

Meanwhile, if you're

Even wooden benches won't give you a break. Best to find somewhere in the shade.

Don't think finding a bench to sit on will give you much respite either. These wooden benches clocked in at the second highest reading of the day.

The coldest ways to cool off

When it comes to cooling off at the beach there are two sure-fire ways to feel at least like you're beating the heat.

Stay safe if you do decide to take a dip and don't jump straight in. The RNLI is warning there's still a risk of cold water shock, even in July.

The water is still likely to be around 15 degrees in most parts of the country - which will feel very cold.

Sam Hughes, from the RNLI Water Safety Team said:

"We want to remind everyone to stay safe at the coast. If you are planning on going to the beach, we would encourage you to visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags.

"Water temperatures are still cold which increases the risk of cold-water shock. If you're planning on going into the water please enter slowly, giving your body a chance to acclimatise to the cold. Avoid jumping or diving straight in.

"If you get into trouble in the water, Float to Live: lean back, use your arms and legs to stay afloat. Control your breathing, then call for help or swim to safety. In a coastal emergency, call 999 or 112 for the Coastguard."

Follow this advice, and stay safe around water

During hot summer days, lakes, rivers, reservoirs and the sea can look really tempting.
But beneath the surface can lie hidden dangers, cold temperatures an unexpected currents.
The Royal Life Saving Society has this advice to stay safe.

Look out for lifeguards

If you're looking for a place to cool off always find a lifeguarded swimming site.

It’s colder than it looks

Water at open water and inland sites is often much colder than it looks, cold water can affect your ability to swim and self-rescue.

Don’t go too far

Always swim parallel to the shore, that way you're never too far away from it.

It's stronger than it looks

Currents in the water can be very strong. If you find yourself caught in a riptide – don't swim against it – you'll tire yourself out. Swim with the current and call for help.

Bring a friend

Always bring a friend when you go swimming so if anything goes wrong you've got someone there to help.

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