It's turned into a scorching week with temperatures expected to rise as high as 29C today (Thursday) in many parts of the UK. With the mini-heatwave set to last at least a few more days, households are being urged to take action now to cool down hot homes.

According to the latest Met Office forecasts, hot weather will bake much of Britain on Thursday, followed by yet more sunshine on Friday and Saturday, although today will be the peak of the heat. It's not until Sunday that temperatures will truly drop back to normal, cooler levels. While London should hit 29C today by Sunday it will be a high of just 14C. Manchester will go from 26C to 14C and Cardiff from 26C to 16C.

As the heat will last until at least Saturday, households have every reason to try to keep their homes cool over the next few days.

Due to typical British homes being designed to retain heat for our generally mild climate and chilly winters, our homes are ill-prepared for extreme heat, quickly transforming into uncomfortably hot and humid sweat boxes.

Official guidance warns that excessively high indoor temperatures can pose serious health risks, including the threat of heat stroke.

When there's hot weather Brits are urged to draw their curtains and blinds and close their windows during the hottest parts of the day, which in this case means from today until Sunday, as a measure to combat the sweltering heat.

A top tip from the UK Health Security Agency to cool down your house (or flat) is to keep curtains and blinds shut during periods of intense sunshine, as well as any windows themselves if they face the sun.

In its vital heatwave advice, the government has outlined strategies to prevent homes from overheating, which includes keeping living spaces cool.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has shared recommendations for maintaining cooler home environments, emphasising the importance of keeping windows and curtains or blinds closed "in rooms that face the sun".

Direct sunlight on windows causes a rapid increase in house temperature. This phenomenon, akin to the 'greenhouse effect' observed in Earth's Ozone layer, intensifies the heat within houses as it does within greenhouses.

As a result, if you find sunlight streaming through any window, the easiest solution would be to draw the curtains.

The complete guidance from the UKHSA advises people to avoid sun exposure during the day's hottest hours - between 11am and 3pm.

The UKHSA adds: "If you're planning on physical activities like exercising or walking the dog, it's advised to arrange them during cooler parts of the day like the morning or evening.

"Keep your home cool by shutting windows and drawing curtains in rooms that are exposed to the sun.

"When venturing outdoors, ensure you're appropriately dressed with suitable headgear and sunglasses, seek out shade where possible and apply sun cream.

"Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids and try to limit your alcohol consumption.

"Check up on family members, friends and neighbours who may be more susceptible to heat-related illnesses. If you fall into this category, ask them to do the same for you.

"Be aware of the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke and know what actions to take if you or someone else exhibits these signs."