AUSTRALIA experienced its hottest summer this year with an extended heatwave lasting for two weeks in January affecting 70 per cent of the continent.

One hundred and twenty three weather records were broken, Sydney recorded its hottest ever day at 45.8°C (and I was there!) and the Outback had temperatures over 50°C meaning the weather maps had to create a new colour, purple, to indicate areas reaching 50°C+. Overnight temperatures were often over 20°C.

While the pattern was similar to what is happening here, in the middle month of summer affecting most of the country for an extended amount of time, the temperatures of course were much higher in Australia.

More houses there have air conditioning, but many don’t even have insulation making it unbearable in these temperatures.

Double glazing is a relatively recent addition to many homes, roof insulation a rarity after a government scheme was withdrawn, following accidents after insulation material was laid on top of lighting wiring, and cavity wall insulation is unheard of !

With most homes here now benefiting from insulation measures designed to keep out the cold, these will also help keep homes cooler in the heatwave.

Even the addition of “poor man’s double glazing”, plastic film fixed to windows with tape, will help keep heat out, creating a space in which hot air is trapped.

Create through drafts by keeping windows open in an east/westerly direction, but close blinds and curtains on windows that have direct sun on them. It is easier to cool yourself rather than the room, so instead of switching on a fan, put a wet flannel around your neck and if you really can’t sleep at night, lying under a wet towel might do the trick!

Perhaps the climate change sceptics are now eating their words after failing to see global warming in their tiny corner of the world. Weather extremes are happening everywhere.

Cara Sandys, Southampton