The May Heatwave Has Arrived: Here's How to Keep Cool
26th May 2026
Almost overnight, the weather in the UK has turned from jacket weather to a full-on heat wave, with temperatures reaching 34.8C in some places, making this the hottest May in history. At Draper Tools, we care about your wellbeing, so we’re using our expertise provisioners of some great cooling products to give you some helpful tips, so you know how to stay cool and safe in the summer heat, whether you’re at work or relaxing at home.
Keep it closed
On a bright summer’s day, there can be temptation to open the windows and curtains, bask in the sunshine, and get that air flowing. But when temperatures spike and the sun’s at it’s brightest, it’s actually better to keep windows and curtains closed to reduce the sun’s warming rays making their way into your home, and stop hot, stagnant air from circulating. If you want to get some cool air flowing, consider a high-standing pedestal fan – ideally, one that’s adjustable to suit any room size, with a tilt function and different air speeds so you can control the volume of air that fills your home and cools you down without needing to open the window. Once the sun sets and the weather cools down in the evening, you’re welcome to open the windows and curtains right back up so you can still make the most of the fresh summer air without overheating.
Working safely
If you’re working through the heatwave, make sure you keep cool and hydrated, and that you take intentional breaks to sip some water and check in on your body. An insulated water bottle can be a great way to stay cool throughout the day, especially if you’re busy or on the move, and don’t always have access to tap-fresh water.
For those working at a desk, we recommend investing in a desk fan – compact but powerful, it clips right on the edge of your desk so you can find a position that suits you, and keep the cool air flowing without a larger fan taking up valuable space. Additionally, a desk fan can provide directed cool air to just yourself, so if you and your coworkers each have one, you can indulge in your own, personal cool bubble, and adjust the airflow to suit your personal preference.
If you’re working in a garage or a workshop, an industrial fan might be a better fit for your workspace. Large and powerful enough to cool a bigger space, an industrial fan can keep you cool even while working on more manual tasks that might otherwise make you liable to overheating. And since many of them come with wheels, you can easily position it to make sure you reap its benefits all day.
Take it easy
While we do have the above tips on staying cool when you have to work, we can’t emphasise enough that when the weather is as hot as this, sometimes it’s best to just take a break and put the tools down. As well as using a fan to cool living or working spaces and keeping cool water to hand, we also recommend wearing light, loose-fitting clothing, finding shade in peak heat hours if you’re outside (usually between 11am and 3pm), and avoiding strenuous work where absolutely possible; if you have to work, consider taking frequent breaks and staying hydrated throughout the day. Make sure you check in on coworkers, family members, or neighbours too – not everyone knows how to manage the intense heat, and with this heatwave looking to continue until at least the end of the month, it’s important we all do our bit to keep everyone safe and comfortable.
At Draper Tools, we hope you’re able to stay cool and comfortable throughout the rest of the May 2026 heatwave, whether you’re at home, at work, or relaxing in the sun. For fans and cooling solutions you can count on, have a look through our range today to help keep the temperature low when the sun gets hot. And for more tips on how to keep yourself and your loved ones safe, please review the NHS guidelines on how to cope in hot weather.
