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People are booking in at hotels for the air con today as UK hits record temperatures
18 July 2022, 10:06
Met Office issues warning for 'unprecedented' level of heat to come
Brits are turning to hotels, churches and supermarkets as the country hits 40C today.
People in the UK are turning to hotels, churches and supermarkets during the heatwave.
Hotel bookings have surged this week, with guests booking in just to enjoy air conditioning.
The Met Office recently issued a red weather warning for extreme heat, urging people to stay inside as much as possible.
But with temperatures set to reach 40C in some parts of the country, people are now booking cheap hotels such as Premier Inn and Travelodge so they can sleep with air con.
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One person admitted on Twitter: “About 10 mins away from booking a hotel so I can sleep with air con.”
Another wrote: “Booking into the Premier Inn as we speak for a few days of air con.”
“Anyone in London want to go halves on a hotel with aircon Mon and Tues night?!,” someone else asked.
While a fourth person said: "We are looking at setting records here in the UK this week. Likely 40°C (104°F). Almost no one has air conditioning and our infrastructure is not designed for this heat. I've found a hotel with air con to get me through this. Many can't afford that. People and pets will die."
A spokesman for Premier Inn added: “There is high demand for all our rooms at the moment.”
The booking website, Hotels.com, is even offering its followers the chance to win a one-night stay with air con.
This comes as the Government issued 11 new guidelines as a ‘national emergency’ is officially declared.
The Government’s Level 4 alert says the heat could have impacts on transport systems, food, water, energy supplies and businesses.
Official Government guidelines for staying safe in hot weather:
- Look out for those who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated – older people, those with underlying conditions and those who live alone are particularly at risk
- Stay cool indoors by closing curtains on rooms that face the sun – and remember that it may be cooler outdoors than indoors
- Drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol
- Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals
- Check that fridges, freezers and fans are working properly
- Try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm, when the UV rays are strongest
- Walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat, if you have to go out in the heat
- Avoid physical exertion in the hottest parts of the day
- Make sure you take water with you if you are travelling
- Take care and make sure to follow local safety advice if you are going into the water to cool down
- Check medicines can be stored according to the instructions on the packaging.
