Air-conditioned buildings to protect from rising temperatures

With temperatures expected to reach 41 degrees Celsius, most of the UK is already overwhelmed as the country prepares to survive the hottest day on record.

From hastily bought fans to backyard paddling pools, people are doing everything they can to stay cool as mercury rises.

The scorching temperature drove England from Nassau (32°C) in the Bahamas, Kingston (33°C) in Jamaica, Malaga (28°C) in Spain, Athens (35°C) in Greece C) and will make it hotter than Albufeira. Portugal (28 °C).

But unlike many of these sun-drenched destinations, buildings in Britain were not built to withstand the intense heat. This means that any moment inside can quickly become overwhelming.

Although installing an air conditioner in your home is not expensive and environmentally friendly, some public buildings that allow fresh air to blow in to escape the heat for a few hours.

Here, FEMAIL shares some of the unexpected relapses of air conditioning…

CINEMA

Spending a day in the sun sitting in a dark room may seem counterintuitive, but a trip to the movies will get you two (or three) hours of deliciously cold air conditioning.

Maximize your time away from the heat by arriving well before your scheduled start time (even if the lobby is cold) and indulge in cold drinks and ice cream.

Basically, it’s also a way to keep kids entertained. Minions: The Rise of Gru and Railroad Kids are great for little ones, but smart enough to keep adults entertained too.

Planning a child-free trip? The latest episode of Marvel’s Thor: Love and Thunder is currently airing, and Top Gun: Maverick is stuck on some screens.

SUPERMARKET

Cheap and Cheerful: Going to the supermarket is nothing short of dazzling, but it’s a way to escape the heat without spending a dime (unless you want to drop by for the weekly grocery shopping)

Fascinating? No. Is it cold? Yes, some grocery stores are so cold that walking through the freezer aisle can feel like a brief Arctic storm.

Break the routine and do your weekly grocery shopping today, taking time to peruse the items on each shelf to maximize your time in the frozen sky.

Or if you’re really struggling to do something, you can even go to the supermarket without buying anything.

Kids might have a hard time waking up with the rows of frozen vegetables or peas, but maybe it’s a chance to play the family version of Supermarket Sweep. Or force them to follow you and reward them with an ice cream on the way out.

GYMS

Less is more: Take a leisurely walk on the treadmill and feel virtuous knowing you’re taking your steps without risking heatstroke. stock image

This is definitely a week to get the most out of the gym membership you haven’t touched since January.

Take a leisurely ride on the treadmill and feel virtuous knowing you’re taking your steps without the risk of heatstroke.

Tough gym goers may prefer a more intense workout, but be sure to keep yourself well hydrated afterward.

Don’t forget to use all the facilities and take a refreshing shower before returning to the heat.

No gym membership? Even if it’s just for the next month, it might be worth checking out if there are any promotional offers worth signing up for. Or try your local entertainment center.

SHOPPING MALLS

Window Shop: Take your time and browse the stores at your local air-conditioned mall. If you have a few hours, tag a trip to the cinema.

If there was ever a day where you could wander aimlessly through the stores of your local mall, today is it.

Start by collecting any summer essentials you might still be missing from your wardrobe, then head to the high-end storefronts to pass the time.

If you’ve got a few hours to kill, why not take a day off and have lunch at a closed restaurant (see above) before you go to see a movie at the cinema.

Or save money by bringing your own packed lunch and sneaking out in a quiet place.

MUSEUMS

Go back in time: Most larger museums have air conditioning to protect their exhibits. There are many free museums and galleries to choose from, such as the V&A (above).

Museums can be hit and miss when it comes to air conditioning, so be sure to check before scheduling a visit, but many institutions will be nicely in vogue to preserve exhibits.

Londoners have the widest choice and can easily fill a day by commuting between different galleries and museums (though you’ll have to struggle to move between them).

The British Museum is of particular interest and, like all national museums in the UK, including the Tate and the National Portrait Gallery, can be visited for free.

The V&A Dundee, the York National Railway Museum and the Manchester Museum of Science and Industry are well worth exploring.

SEA LIFE LONDON AQUARIUM

Fantastic Clients: Spend some time with the Gentoo Penguin Colony at Sea Life London Aquarium and it will be hard to remember how hot it is outside

Spend some time with the Gentoo penguin colony at Sea Life London Aquarium and it will be hard to remember how hot it is outside.

Penguins are just one of more than 500 species housed in 14 themed zones in exhibits that teach visitors about animals and the importance of preserving their natural habitats.

The entire aquarium is air conditioned and protected from the sun and offers an ideal escape from the heat.

But beware: it’s not a cheap day. Standard adult ticket prices start at £28.

RESTAURANTS AND CAFETERS

Again, air conditioning at your favorite restaurants will be hit and miss, but larger coffee chains like Starbucks and Costa will almost certainly have it.

Bring your work laptop with you to take a break from the heat of your home office, even for a few hours, or treat yourself to lunch in an air-conditioned place.

For extra refreshment, choose an iced coffee or keep it simple with a refreshing mineral water.

HOTELS

Looking for an opportunity to indulge in a small living room? This could be the perfect night to do it.

Most hotels, even the cheapest, have air-conditioned rooms, giving you a night away from the sweltering heat of your bed.

Try searching last minute websites to get the best deals. If you’re prepared to spend a little more, you might even be lucky enough to find one with a pool.

BOOKSHELF

Support Local Businesses – Browse books and chill out at a local bookstore where you can happily spend time. Pictured, Daunt Books in London

Support your local bookstore and step inside to check the air conditioner.

Unlike other retailers, bookstores often encourage shoppers to take time out to relax or even read in-store – so they don’t have to be pressured to leave.

Browse new releases or grab a title from your favorite author and spend a few relaxing minutes browsing the pages before you buy.

If you’re really worried about air conditioning, it’s worth calling ahead as it may not be available in smaller independent stores.