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Heat Wave Grips Britain as Demand for Cooling Soars

Britons Adapt to Soaring Temperatures with Air-Conditioning, Cool Zones, and Portable Fans

June 21, 2025 | As a relentless heat wave blankets the UK, Britons are scrambling to find ways to stay cool — from investing in air-conditioning to flocking to designated public “cool spaces.” With temperatures hitting 34°C (93°F) this weekend, far above June’s average of 18°C (64°F), the country is officially in its first heat wave of 2025, according to the Met Office.

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Gary Youssef, walking his dog in a sun-scorched London park, explained how he keeps his home cool — closed curtains by day, open windows by night — and admitted he’s now considering installing air-conditioning, something virtually unheard of just a few years ago. “A lot more of my friends now have air-conditioning,” he said. “People wouldn’t have thought about it five years ago.”

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Adapting to a New Climate Reality

As the UK contends with warmer summers, sales of fans and A/C units have skyrocketed. Home goods retailer Robert Dyas reported a 4,000% increase in cooling appliance sales between 2019 and 2024.
London-based Air Conditioning Company saw a 625% spike in demand for portable A/Cs over the past year alone. “We get a surge in orders between 1 and 3 a.m. — people can’t sleep,” said director Richard Salmon.

Meanwhile, some British schools relaxed dress codes, allowing students to ditch uniforms and wear lighter clothing. Others fled their homes to seek refuge in offices equipped with air-conditioning.

Health Concerns as Temperatures Rise

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The UK Health Security Agency issued an amber heat health alert through Monday, signaling serious risks to the elderly and vulnerable. Elder care provider Care UK, operating 165 homes nationwide, is focusing on hydration and distributing chilled treats.

In London, the mayor’s office has established hundreds of “cool spaces”, like St. Luke’s Community Center in Islington, where residents such as Collin Browne try to escape the heat. “I don’t cope,” said Browne. “When it’s muggy, I just get very irritable.”

Climate Change or Just a Hot Summer?

On Clapham Common, a group of young professionals picnicked under the sun while studying for exams. “I can’t believe this is the UK,” said Finty Willis. “There’s definitely a consciousness of — is this normal?”

Many Londoners are beginning to reassess their wardrobe budgets, workplace habits, and home infrastructure. “We weren’t expecting to need a summer wardrobe like this,” added her friend Darcey Wilkinson.

Community and Coping Mechanisms

Across the city, fountains, sprinklers, and splash baths became hotspots for families. Emily Williams brought her toddler to Clapham Common’s fountains. “I don’t remember it being this hot,” she said, “but I remember having great summers.”

For others, the sun is cause for celebration — and a cold drink. At the Rose and Crown pub in Clapham Old Town, Chris Warren embraced the heat with an ice cream in one hand and a pint in the other. “I love the heat,” he said. But his Scottish friend Ryan Wilkin disagreed: “It’s too hot for me. I can’t deal with this.”

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Heat wave UK, British summer temperatures, climate change Britain, air conditioning demand UK, UK heat health alert, London cooling centers, extreme weather adaptation, UK fan sales, British climate crisis

News Desk