As we move headlong into the summer, weather forecasts predict an intense UK heatwave in 2024 with temperatures of up to 28ºC, making staying hydrated more important than ever. Whether working from home, heading to the office, or enjoying the sunshine outside, staying hydrated is essential to your physical and mental health. So, we’re looking at how to keep hydrated in a heatwave to make sure you stay cool and refreshed throughout the scorching days ahead.

Why hydration is crucial during a heatwave

During a heatwave, our bodies lose more water through sweating as they regulate our temperature. This additional loss of fluids can lead to dehydration, which can cause symptoms from mild thirst to severe heat-related illnesses. Understanding how to keep hydrated in a heatwave can prevent dehydration and its associated risks, such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

Our top tips for staying hydrated

Drink Plenty of Water

Drinking plenty of water is the easiest and most effective way to stay hydrated. Aim for at least 6-8 glasses (as recommended by the NHS Eatwell guide) a day, and increase this amount if you're spending time outdoors or doing any physical activity. Keeping a water bottle with you all day is a practical way to make sure you drink regularly throughout the day.

Eat hydrating foods

A range of fruit and vegetables with a high water content can help you maintain overall hydration. Watermelon, cucumbers, strawberries, and oranges are excellent choices. Including these super-hydraters in your diet can boost your water intake and provide the essential vitamins and minerals your body needs.

Use a home or office water cooler

Installing a bottled water cooler or mains-fed water cooler in your home or office is a convenient and effective way to have easy access to pure, filtered, refreshing water. Our water coolers provide instant hydration and can encourage you, your family, or your staff to drink more water regularly. And with chilled and ambient water options, you can stay hydrated your way.

Avoid caffeine and alcohol

Let’s face it – enjoying an ice-cold beer or even an iced coffee during the heatwave is tempting. But both caffeine and alcohol can dehydrate you even further. They’re also diuretics, so they cause your body to lose more water (through peeing more). Choose water, herbal teas, or electrolyte-rich drinks instead.

Check the colour of your pee

One of the simplest ways (gross but simple) to check whether you’re hydrated enough is to look at the colour of your pee. Pale yellow usually means you’re hydrated well, while darker yellow can mean you need to drink more fluids. Keeping an eye on this can help you adjust your water intake.

Keep hydrated with Thirsty Work

The UK Heatwave 2024 is set to bring soaring temperatures (allegedly!). So, by following these tips on how to keep hydrated in a heatwave, you can stay healthy and comfortable throughout the summer. Remember, drinking plenty of water, above all else, is the best way to maintain your hydration levels. 

Explore our range of bottled and mains-fed water coolers for the best selection for your home or office, so you have the perfect way to stay hydrated this summer. For more info, call our customer service team today on 01392 877 172 or email hello@thirstywork.com and get your free quote or start your 10-day free trial.