July 2026 is on track to be one of the hottest months on record globally. Heat waves are becoming more frequent and intense, but the good news is that both technology and public health guidance have advanced significantly to help populations cope. Here is your comprehensive heat wave preparedness plan.
Smart home tech that helps
Smart blinds and curtains that automatically close during the hottest part of the day can reduce indoor temperatures by 5-8°C. Smart thermostats with zone control allow you to cool only the rooms you are using. Several air conditioner manufacturers now offer Wi-Fi-enabled units that can be pre-cooled from your phone before you arrive home.
The old wisdom that still works
Closing windows and curtains before the sun reaches its peak, using ceiling fans in a counter-clockwise direction to create a downdraft, and placing a bowl of ice in front of a fan for an improvised air cooler are techniques that predate modern air conditioning but remain remarkably effective.
Recognising heat illness early
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke progress quickly. Early signs include heavy sweating, cold clammy skin, dizziness, and nausea. If you or someone near you stops sweating despite feeling hot, becomes confused, or loses consciousness, that is a medical emergency — call for help immediately and begin cooling measures.