Australian, so I know how to cope with heatwaves: here are my tips for keeping cool

The article addresses how to cope with heatwaves, drawing on Australian experience where 40C days are common and school closures are mostly a myth. It notes that the UK’s Met Office defines a heatwave threshold at 28C, emphasizing that adaptation—not physiological differences—is key, according to Prof Ollie Jay of the University of Sydney’s Heat and Health Research Centre. The guidance focuses on low-energy measures: keeping curtains or blinds closed during peak sun, using honeycomb blinds such as Duette to slow heat gain, and maintaining indoor comfort when temperatures drop later. It also links behavior to energy use, arguing that air conditioning can be life-saving for some people, though the main tips prioritize environmentally friendlier options. The piece comes amid expectations of temperature records being broken in parts of Britain.