For millions of Americans, summer has always meant backyard barbecues, baseball games, and long sunny evenings. But this year’s season looks very different.A powerful heat wave is expected to sweep through much of the United States over the July 4 weekend, with the National Weather Service warning that more than 100 million people could face dangerous heat. Heat indexes can climb to 46°C (115°F) in some places, making even short walks outdoors risky.Unlike India or many countries closer to the equator, much of the United States, Britain and northern Europe have spent generations preparing for cold winters rather than hot summers. Old houses are also designed to keep warm. Air conditioning is common in some areas of the United States, especially in the South, but much less common in the Pacific Northwest and many older cities. In the UK, the condition remains rare among families.As temperatures continue to break records, people are looking for ways to cool down without sending their energy bills through the roof. Some people are buying portable coolers and blackout curtains.In a scenario like this, it’s worth looking at ideas that have been around for hundreds of years in countries where living in extreme heat has been part of daily life.
Keep the sun out before it comes in
Anyone who has spent a summer in India knows this routine. Open the windows at sunrise to let in the cool morning air. By late morning, curtains, blinds and shutters are drawn before the afternoon sun begins to bake the house.This may sound simple, but it’s one of the oldest ways to lower indoor temperatures. During a heat wave, sunlight filtering through a window can quickly turn a room into a greenhouse.That’s why it’s recommended to keep curtains closed during the hottest times of the day, especially on windows that receive direct sunlight. Blackout curtains and reflective window film have become popular because they help block heat before it enters the home.
Cooling the air naturally with water
Long before electricity became commonplace, Indian homes had their own version of natural air conditioning. Woven screens made from vetiver or vetiver are placed over the windows and sprinkled with water throughout the day.As the hot air passes through the moist grass, it cools before entering the room. The earthy aroma is an added bonus. Modern evaporative coolers sold today still use the same principle.Japan has a similar tradition called “uchi water” where people sprinkle water outside their houses and on the streets on hot afternoons. The evaporated water helps cool the surrounding air. The technology may have changed, but the science has not.
Dress more, not less
When tourists first see burkas in the Middle East and North Africa, they often assume they must be unbearably hot. However, loose-fitting clothing creates a layer of moving air between the fabric and your skin.The airflow helps sweat evaporate while also protecting the body from direct sunlight. Additionally, cotton clothing breathes better than tight-fitting synthetic fabrics, which trap heat.
Eat water-rich foods
In many parts of Africa and India, summer meals often feature water-rich fruits and vegetables, which can help the body replenish fluids lost through sweating.Watermelon is a favorite in countries such as Nigeria, Ghana and Sudan; while cucumbers, oranges and other seasonal fruits are typically eaten during the hottest months. These foods are rich in water and minerals, which are lost in extreme heat.
Fan the Japanese way
Not every solution needs to be high-tech. Long before battery-powered fans existed, people in China and Japan carried folding fans with them. They are lightweight, reusable, and require no electricity.Even today, they remain one of the easiest ways to create instant airflow while waiting for the train, walking outdoors, or during a power outage.
