Five ways to keep cool during a summer heatwave

As the hot South African summer rolls in, here are five ways to ensure you are keeping cool during a summer heatwave…

By: Naledi de Wee

1. AVOID HOT DRINKS

As the temperature increases outside, it’s important to always keep yourself and your family cool. Instead of alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks, have cool drinks and ice cold water. Juice, milk and soda are great ways to keep your body hydrated. 

2. STAY DOWNSTAIRS, ITS SCIENCE!

If you are lucky enough to live in a double story house, it’s important to stay downstairs because hot air rises. According to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) when molecules heat up, they move faster. Air is a substance that expands when heated and contracts when it’s cool. 

3. TAKE CARE OF YOUR PETS

As humans, we certainly feel the warm weather outside, but what about our pets? Animals can also feel the effects of the heat wave and it’s important to take care of them. You can do this by giving your dog or cat a cool bath to help them. 

When drying them up, ensure you are using a cold towel. Don’t forget to give them enough water too! 

ALSO READ: Here are all of South Africa’s Blue Flag beaches

4. IT MAY BE TIME TO INVEST IN A FAN…

Air conditioning systems are expensive and South Africans are keeping their rands tucked away in their pockets. To take care of yourself and your family during the heatwave, you may want to consider investing in a small fan. 

5. COLD WATER, COLD WATER AND MORE COLD WATER!

Let’s face it, most of us are used to taking hot showers but this time around, you may want to consider taking cold showers to keep yourself cool in the heat wave. 

Don’t forget to keep bottles of frozen water in the deep freeze if you run out. They might help when you least expect them to!