Extreme Heat Update: What Are ‘Tropical Nights’ and 4 Ways to Cool Your Flat Without AC This Week

With increasing frequency of heatwaves across multiple urban environments, these cities are also experiencing “Tropical Nights.” A Tropical Night is when overnight low temperatures remain above 20C (68F). This means that homes/Buildings are unable to release built-up heat once the sun has set, thereby making it difficult to recover indoors overnight. In many instances, the overnight low temperature does not decline much beyond that point; therefore, people are unable to obtain restful, restorative sleep and are more at risk of developing adverse heat-related health outcomes.

What Are Tropical Nights?

Generally, following the setting of the sun, temperatures fall; therefore, there is a natural cooling process that occurs as buildings release any built-up heat from the day. However, during tropical nights, buildings remain warm well past midnight, and so the inside of a building may still feel warm due to the inability of the building to cool down enough before morning.

Some health impacts may include:

• poor quality of sleep;
• increased fatigue;
• increased heat stress;
• increased discomfort for the elderly or very young.

1. Block Sunlight During the Day

Close your curtains, blinds or shutters (where applicable), during both the hottest hours of the day;

This will:

• reduce the amount of solar heat entering your flat;
• maintain a cooler indoor environment; and/or;
• reduce the temperature inside your bedroom/flat to an excessive level

2. Create Cross-Ventilation

Open windows on opposing sides of your flat in the evening when the outdoor temperature starts to fall;

This will;

• allow for the proper exchange of air from outside of your flat to inside your flat;
• improve the circulation of air throughout your rooms using fans.

3. Reduce Indoor Heat Sources

All appliances in your flat produce some amount of heat; even in warm weather;

Some effective means to reduce interior heat generation include:

• avoiding the use of the oven;
• using clothes driers; and,
• employing excessive amounts of incandescent lighting in your flat.

4. Stay Hydrated and Use Lightweight Bedding

Drink water regularly and choose breathable fabrics such as cotton for bedding and sleepwear. Lightweight materials help the body release heat more effectively during warm nights.

Final Words

The longer we experience extended heatwaves, the more frequently we will have tropical nights. As a result, many homes will struggle to cool down naturally. To help make their flats more comfortable, residents should block sunlight, increase airflow, reduce the amount of heat produced in their flats, and ensure they drink plenty of water without using air conditioning.

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