Why you should put bowls of water on windowsills during heatwave

You have probably never heard of this one

Throughout much of the UK, the scorching temperatures are sometimes accompanied by dry and sunny conditions, while at times it also tends to get pretty humid.

The UK experienced an unprecedented summer in 2026, setting multiple all-time records.

Highlights include a record-breaking eight days surpassing 34°C, the earliest 35°C temperatures ever seen, and the hottest June on record for England, while Surrey peaked at 35.5°C in July.

According to the Met Office, a temperature of 35C has provisionally been recorded this summer at Heathrow and Kew Gardens.

That was the earliest day in the year that Britain has recorded 35C, surpassing the previous benchmark of 26 June 1976.

The UK is set to bake in another day of 35C highs, with temperatures expected to remain at heatwave level until the end of next week.

Combating the heatwave - how you can keep your home at a comfortable temperature

Keeping your home at a comfortable temperature in such exceptional heat can prove challenging, potentially leading to a restless and sweaty night's sleep in the stifling conditions.

As the vast majority of homes in the UK are built to retain warmth, bringing the temperature down swiftly is often easier said than done, especially if you’re not fortunate enough to have air conditioning.

That being said, there is a rather simple and budget-friendly fix for this issue.

And it requires, wait for it… nothing more than a bowl and some cold water.

Since the water absorbs heat from the air and turns it into vapour, a bowl of water can help cool a room.

“Although it may seem peculiar, placing bowls of water around the house can aid in cooling the hot air. This simple technique can be surprisingly effective!”, LEAP Energy Advice said.

How this method of cooling is effective

It works best when the bowl of water, or ice, is placed near an open window or in front of a fan as the breeze helps to circulate cold air into your home.

LEAP added: “This cooling method works particularly well when the bowl of water, or ice, is positioned near an open window or in front of a fan, as the airflow helps to circulate cooler air throughout your home.”

“If you need to cool down quickly, try placing a bowl of ice and cold water in front of your fan's blades.”

“This will cause the air blowing from the fan to pass over the icy water, creating a refreshing sensation on your skin. It's like having a homemade, DIY air-conditioner!”

It’s not strictly necessary to pair a fan with a bowl of water, since the water alone can help bring the temperature down.

That said, you'll achieve far better results by getting that airflow going too.

Running a fan will have obviously some effect on your energy bills, though it's a mere fraction of the expense compared to operating an air conditioning unit.

That can cost up to 40 times more, making the prospect of a gloriously cool room well worth it.

Major energy supplier British Gas also endorses the tip as an affordable means of keeping both your home and yourself cool when the mercury rises.

“While fans aren't the most expensive appliance to run, using one is still likely to impact your fuel bills - but there are some things you can do to get the most out of the energy you're paying for”, British Gas said.

“To really cool down a room with a fan, place a deep dish of ice in the front of it to whip up the water mist and chill the breeze. You can also point a box fan out of an open window in the evenings - this pushes the hot air out instead of just blowing it around the room.”