UK braces for another heatwave with surging aircon sales and school adaptations
The UK is preparing for another heatwave, leading to increased sales of air conditioning and schools adapting to the hot weather.
The Full Story
A plain summary built from the channels that reported this story.
As the UK braces for another heatwave, temperatures are expected to climb back into the 30s from Sunday, prompting a surge in demand for air conditioning. Some companies are prioritising new installations over repairs as households and schools scramble to keep cool. The heatwave follows the warmest June in England since records began, and businesses report an 1100% increase in inquiries for aircon units over the past month. A single unit costs around 1,500 pounds per room, and one homeowner described it as an essential investment, noting that new-build homes are too effective at retaining heat, making working from home unbearable.
Schools are also adapting. Beacons Hill Academy in the West Midlands installed aircon units last year and has more on the way. Students said the aircon makes it easier to study, and the school has introduced misting systems, water activities, and ice creams to help pupils cope. Uniform adaptations, such as allowing PE kit, have also been welcomed.
The extreme heat has proved fatal in France, where deaths surged by nearly 30% in the last week of June compared to the previous week. Experts note that Europe is heating up twice as fast as the global average, partly because lower pollution levels in Europe allow more heat to be radiated and reflected back, magnifying temperatures. Last week, parts of Europe were hotter than Honolulu and Bangkok.
Meanwhile, a hosepipe ban has been announced: from next Friday, Southern Water will limit usage for around 850,000 customers in Kent, on the same day that restrictions came into force for Southeast Water customers in the same area.
On screen
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Key Claims
Claims reported during this story's coverage, mapped by channel. Ordered by how many channels carried each claim.
| Claim | Channel 5 |
|---|---|
| Air conditioning inquiries increased by 1100% over the past month. | |
| England experienced its warmest June since records began. | |
| France saw a nearly 30% surge in deaths in the last week of June compared to the previous week. |
Channel Perspectives
What each channel focused on, with key quotes.
The report focuses on the practical and economic impacts of the heatwave, highlighting the boom in air conditioning sales, school adaptations, and the cost to households. It also draws a contrast with France's higher death toll and the scientific explanation for Europe's faster warming, giving the story a broader European context. The tone is factual and slightly concerned, with a human-interest element from the school and homeowner.
- “We've had an 1100% increase in inquiries over the past month. So at the minute, we're basically just doing installs. We don't have time for repairs or breakdowns.”
- “It's easier to study here when you've got like all the additional aircon that you may not have at home.”
- “Europe is heating up twice as fast as the global average. With warnings, we should take steps now before further soaring temperatures.”
Broadcast Timeline
News broadcasts tracked for this story, in time order.