Amusing yet informative: How to stay cool in this Spanish heatwave

Spain is currently going through some of its hottest days in history, with temperatures reaching upwards of 44 degrees Celsius.

Heatwave hits Spain

On Thursday, July 19, as reported by the Spanish weather service, AEMET, a heatwave came across from Africa to Europe and swept across Spain over the weekend.

Many residents of Spain felt this heatwave, with Thursday seeing temperatures as high as 40 degrees Celsius in areas of Andalucia, only for temperatures to rise even higher through the weekend reaching maximum temperatures of 44 degrees Celsius.

Now, in the middle of the aftermath, the heat continues to bog Spain’s residents down, with many towns and cities inland of the peninsula feeling the brunt of it.

How to stay cool

In the sun and sweat this summer, it’s crucial to know how to stay safe and cool, especially if air conditioning isn’t readily accessible. 

Locals across the coast of Spain have been sharing their unusual ways to stay cool this weekend.

One resident in the Almeria province took to the Facebook forum to share their wisdom, becoming the catalyst for a variety of unconventional methods of keeping cool.

Cold hot water bottle

Alexis Robson, originally from Liverpool and now living in Cantoria, first shared her friends’ idea, claiming that a ‘hot’ water bottle filled with water and put in the freezer makes for a great ice pack at night, stating “This is a game changer in bed on these hot nights!”

Another of Alexis’ recommended methods was for those with wheat pillows, commonly used warm to ease tension, but in Alexis’ case, she tells us to freeze those too and “put it round your neck” to stay cool.

Other users also took to the comments of Alexis’ post, sharing their unique ways of staying fresh in this heat.

Spray cold water

A frequently suggested method was to put water in an empty spray bottle, with most saying a spray on the body and face can really help cool you down, as well as a spritz on your sheets about half an hour before going to bed.

One person went a step further, stating they “freeze a fabric conditioner bottle filled with water”, adding that “It’s fairly flat so it’s easy hold close to the body. Just make sure you screw the top on properly, and don’t fill right to the top otherwise the bottle will split when the water expands as it freezes.”

Another technique also shared was to mop the floors clean, which can apparently reduce the temperature of the whole room.

Wine techniques

To cool down your body in a rush, try using wine cooler covers from the freezer and placing them on your pulse points, such as your wrists.

A refreshing and tasty way to keep your glasses of wine cold this summer, as recommended online, is to use frozen green and red grapes instead of ice to compliment your white or red wine. 

Tried and tested methods

One commenter gave the strong advice of closing window shutters during the day to block sun out, adding to “open at night to let cooler air in”, however they did admit it’s “a little strange to live in the dark but does make a big difference”.

The thread of ideas started by Alexis has received 100s of comments across the forums of Almeria province, relaying amusing but very informative methods of keeping the heat out, and keeping you cool in this hot Spanish summer.