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How to get air conditioning on a budget as heatwave health warning issued
Home>Lifestyle
Updated 15:50 26 May 2026 GMT+1Published 15:35 26 May 2026 GMT+1

How to get air conditioning on a budget as heatwave health warning issued

The UK has smashed May temperature records for the second day in a row

This article contains affiliate links and LADbible Group will make a commission on anything purchased

Danielle Fowler

Danielle Fowler

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The UK heatwave is showing no signs of slowing down.

Today (May 26), Brits witnessed record-breaking May temperatures for the second day running as Heathrow and Kew Gardens in London reached a sweltering 35C.

Following the hot weather, the UKHSA has upgraded heat alerts from yellow to amber warnings in the East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, London and South East England.

A further four regions have now been upgraded from no alerts to yellow warnings: North East England, North West England, Yorkshire and Humber and South West England.

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All warnings are currently in place until 5pm on Wednesday, May 27.

The UK is in the midst of a record-breaking heatwave (Getty Images/Finnbarr Webster)
The UK is in the midst of a record-breaking heatwave (Getty Images/Finnbarr Webster)

Dr Anya Gopfert, Consultant in Health Protection at UKHSA, warned: "We know that even moderate heat can lead to serious health problems, especially for older people and those with certain health conditions, so it’s important that everyone takes simple precautions while enjoying the warm weather over the coming days.

"If you have friends, family or neighbours who are more vulnerable, it is important to check in on them and ensure they are aware of the forecasts and are following the necessary advice."

Amid sweatier conditions, Brits are searching for budget ways to stay cool, especially renters and office workers struggling with the heat.

Below, find out how to stay cool during the UK heatwave with some of the best budget air conditioning systems and fans available to buy now.

Why you shouldn't leave a fan on overnight

Despite the urge to keep the fan on all night for a bit of sweet relief, it can actually work against you.

Sleeping with a fan on isn't dangerous, but it can cause discomfort in the morning, from dry eyes and allergy flare-ups to a sore throat.

If you don't clean your fan regularly, it can circulate dirt and dust too.

The UKHSA has upgraded heat alerts from yellow to amber warnings across parts of the UK (Getty Images/Dmitrii Marchenko)
The UKHSA has upgraded heat alerts from yellow to amber warnings across parts of the UK (Getty Images/Dmitrii Marchenko)

What is the 11am rule in the UK heatwave?

If you're not familiar with the 11am rule, the NHS has urged people to stay out of the sun between 11am and 3pm where possible.

The website states, 'If you have to go outside, stay in the shade, wear sunscreen, a hat and light clothes, and avoid exercise or activity that makes you hotter.'

At the time of writing, at-home air conditioning units and fans have been slashed to less than £40 on Wowcher.

For instance, the Bladeless Portable Fan has dropped by 65 percent, whilst the Oscillating Air Cooler has dropped from £98.99 to just £29.99 for a limited time only.

From desk fans to laptop cooling pads and summer bedding, shop our heatwave must-haves below.

Shop our top pick of heatwave essentials:

Oscillating Air Cooler with 4L Water Tank and Ice Pack

Wowcher
Wowcher

£98.99

£29.99

Buy now

Bladeless Portable Air Cooler Fan

Wowcher
Wowcher

£39.99

£14.99

Buy now


Shark ChillPill 3-in-1 Fan

Boots
Boots

£129.99

Buy now

llano RGB Laptop Cooling Pad

Amazon
Amazon

£129.99

98.76

Buy now


Medi Grade Cooling Face Mask Set

Amazon
Amazon

£19.98

Buy now

Silentnight Cooling Lightweight Blanket

Amazon
Amazon

£39.99

Buy now

HandFan Neck Fan

Amazon
Amazon

£30.99

£21.99

Buy now

Dyson Cool AM07 Bladeless Tower Fan

Amazon
Amazon

£349.99

£299

Buy now


Sukeen Cooling Towels

Amazon
Amazon

£12.99

£11.04

Buy now

Owala FreeSip Water Bottle

Amazon
Amazon

£36.99

£28.11

Buy now


Featured Image Credit: Getty Images/Kathrin Ziegler

Topics: Health, Sleep

Danielle Fowler
Danielle Fowler

Danielle Fowler is the Affiliates Writer at LADbible Group, working across LADbible, Tyla, GAMINGbible, SPORTbible and UNILAD. She covers the latest trends in fashion and beauty, writes about standout gadgets, and reviews the must-have products everyone's talking about.

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