UK Weather Forecast: Here’s How To Sleep In Muggy Weather

Muggy weather has been forecast in the UK this week, with a Heat-Health Alert also being issued.

The Met Office said the UK is set for a week of contrasting weather, “with a combination of increasingly warm and humid conditions in the south and east”.

High pressure is building across mainland Europe, allowing heat to intensify – and we’re close enough to the action to feel those summery temperatures, too.

Per the Met Office, the mercury is set to rise over the course of the week, with parts of England potentially reaching the high twenties by Thursday and possibly 30°C in the southeast on Friday.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a Yellow Heat-Health Alert for the East Midlands, East of England, London and the southeast, which comes into effect at 3pm on Wednesday 17 June and remains until 8pm on Monday 22 June.

With the warmth and high humidity, there’s also a higher chance of thunderstorms.

If you let out an audible groan on hearing the news that muggy weather’s on its way, you’re certainly not alone.

When the weather is warm and humid, it can make us feel uncomfortable “because sweat doesn’t evaporate easily” (as the air is already well-saturated with water vapour). So, it’s basically hindering our body’s cooling mechanism.

The Met Office explains: “Humidity plays a significant role in thermal comfort – how hot or cold we feel. High humidity in warm weather makes it harder for the body to cool down, increasing the risk of heat stress, which can lead to serious health issues like heatstroke, heart attacks, or breathing problems.”

It can also make sleep very difficult. The Sleep Charity suggests the ideal bedroom temperature sits at around 16-18°C – and anything over 24°C can trigger restlessness.

• Instead of sleeping naked (which sleep pros generally advise against), the Royal Meteorological Society suggests wearing light cotton pyjamas when it’s hot and humid, as they can absorb sweat.
• You could also try freezing your pyjamas or sheets to cool them down, or fill a hot water bottle with ice-cold water.
• Stay hydrated.
• Keep curtains and windows closed during the day.
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine before bed.
• Switch your duvet for a cotton sheet.
• Invest in a decent fan or portable air con unit.
• Tie long hair back.
• Have a lukewarm shower before bed to gently reduce body temperature.