Summer is officially here! And that means, no matter where you live, the temperatures are bound to rise. This year, due to El Niño conditions, parts of the northern U.S. will be even warmer than usual, so it's important to think about staying cool during the hot summer months. Country Living is based in Birmingham, Alabama, where 90-degree temperatures are the norm this time of year, so we've become experts at dealing with heat and humidity (and we're not just talking about finding the best summer dresses).
Some of these tips and product recommendations are just for fun, but heat waves can be seriously dangerous and can cause health issues, particularly for people with pre-existing health conditions. Make a plan to check on neighbors and family members. The World Health Organization recommends looking out for the following symptoms: dizziness, weakness, anxiety, or intense thirst and headache. If any unusual symptoms arise, contact your doctor immediately. And don't forget about the four-legged members of your family: bring outdoor pets inside and make sure they stay hydrated.
Stay hydrated.
Adequate hydration is one of the best ways to combat a heat wave. According to the Mayo Clinic, an "adequate daily fluid intake" for men is 15.5 cups. For women, it's 11.5 cups. You'll need to drink more during hot and humid conditions, especially if you're exercising or spending time outside. So fill up your Stanley cup or Yeti water bottle and drink throughout the day. Consider adding in a hydration packet like Liquid IV if you're feeling dehydrated.
Stay inside.
This may seem like a no-brainer, but keep cool by staying inside during the hottest parts of the day. Take this opportunity to binge-watch a show or pick up a new book. Save activities like working out, going to the gym, or mowing the lawn for early in the morning or later in the evening.
Sip on a frozen drink.
End a hot day with a refreshing frozen cocktail, like this Frozen Watermelon Slush. Add a splash of rum, or keep it as a non-alcoholic fruit drink. Keep in mind that alcohol can contribute to dehydration, so drink in moderation and be sure to drink plenty of water.
Take a road trip.
Things heating up at home? Hit the road and head to the mountains or the beach, wherever you can find a break in the weather. If you're looking for perfect conditions, a climate scientist plotted out the perfect 70-degree road trip across the U.S. And don't forget your road trip playlist.
Head to the library.
If you don't have air-conditioning at home, head for a place that does. You could spend hours at a movie theater or mall, but for a free option, go to your local library. Find a new book and a quiet spot, or check out the activities calendar and join in. It's the perfect place for the whole family to spend a hot summer day.
Cool off in the shower.
A cold shower might sound like torture during certain times of year, but it can help you feel cool during a heat wave. Even if you can only stand a minute or two, it can help you feel refreshed.
Indulge in a sweet treat.
Whether you pull out the ice cream maker and go the homemade route or take a trip to your local creamery or drive-through spot, nothing helps you forget about the weather for a few minutes like a frozen treat.
Get the air moving.
Add some fans to the mix to keep the air circulating around the house. (We recommend the powerful oscillating Dreo PolyFan 513S, which works with Alexa and has eight speeds, perfect for nighttime use.) But if the air in your house is not cool, even a fan won't help. In that case, it might be time to invest in a portable air-conditioner. My teenage son can't sleep without this compact Honeywell unit blasting in his room.
Schedule your air-conditioner for service.
There's nothing worse than having a broken HVAC unit in the middle of a heatwave (we know from experience). The service technicians will be overloaded, and you may have to wait for a repair. To head off the problem, keep your air-conditioner serviced and replace the filters. It's not a guarantee that it won't break, but it will help you set yourself up for success.
Kick back at the pool.
A hot summer day is best spent floating in a pool. If you don't have a local pool or a generous neighbor, check out Swimply. The Airbnb-type service allows you to rent out a pool by the hour. Don't even think about heading out without sunscreen—a sunburn will make the heat wave much worse. Be sure to take breaks and head for the shade!
Stay cool at night.
There's nothing quite as miserable as trying to sleep when it's hot. Set yourself up for a good night's sleep with cooling sheets, lightweight pajamas made from breathable fabrics, and even a cooling pillow. When in doubt, set up camp for the night in the coldest room of the house.
Keep pets safe.
Pay special attention to your pets during a heat wave, especially if they are older or have health conditions. Make sure your pets stay hydrated, and keep them indoors as much as possible. Avoid walks during the heat of the day, and protect paws when walking on hot blacktop.
Turn off the oven.
Your air-conditioner will be working in overdrive, so help it keep things cool by avoiding additional heat sources, like the oven or overhead lighting. Instead, fire up the grill or make sandwiches for dinner. Ordering pizza is always an option.
Hang curtains.
Heavy blackout curtains can help keep the heat of the day out of your home. Keep them closed and make sure windows and doors don't have drafts.
Katie Bowlby is Digital Director at Country Living, where she covers pop culture news including country music, Yellowstone, and all things HGTV, plus gift guides and product reviews. She has been with Country Living for more than 11 years. Before that, she worked for Southern Living. The Indiana University grad also stitches up the cross-stitch pattern for every issue of the magazine.
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