As a UK heatwave sends temperatures soaring, one woman has shared a simple DIY cooling hack that uses a frozen water bottle and a fan to keep cool - and you probably own everything you need14:28, 22 Jun 2026Temperatures across Britain could hit a scorching 40C heatwave this week, which would easily shatter the all-time record high for June.‌The Met Office has issued a rare red weather warning for extreme heat across central and southern England and Wales on Wednesday (June 24) and Thursday.‌With such blistering conditions comes a desperate scramble nationwide to discover any means of staying cool.‌Sadly, the vast majority of British households lack air conditioning. The figure currently sits at roughly four million, which has doubled from three years previously.Even so, that leaves millions of residents battling when this progressively frequent extreme weather strikes, reports the Express.With temperatures climbing beyond 35C becoming a far more regular phenomenon, Brits are seeking any possible method that will help them cool off.‌One person attempted creating their own makeshift fan and was thoroughly impressed with the outcome. All that's required is two very everyday items - a one litre water bottle or a four pint milk bottle, and water.Katie Mortram documented her experience on Good Housekeeping as she sought to combat the heat.‌Initially, she filled the bottle 75% full and placed it in the freezer. Once frozen solid, she positioned the bottle in a shallow tray to catch any condensation or drips, before covering with a moist cloth and positioning directly in front of an electric fan.Katie described how the method worked for her: "When the time came to remove the bottle from the freezer, it was filled to the brim with ice."The water had expanded to the lid and the bottom of the packaging had even been pushed out by the pressure. Thankfully, it hadn't cracked the packaging, but this did make standing it upright near impossible.‌"I wasn't sure it was doing anything at first, but the breeze in front of the bottle definitely had a slight chill to it compared with the breeze between it and the fan."Within two hours, I could feel the effect - and it was significant. On leaving the bedroom, the hallway felt stuffy and stagnant, whereas the bedroom had a tranquil breeze as the chilled air circulated the room."‌Katie revealed her homemade air conditioning system made the space feel considerably cooler and airier than simply opening the window.She noted that the "only problem was it could only last so long" and the ice had completely melted within four hours.Four hours may not seem substantial but it could prove invaluable during a heatwave, particularly when deployed during the warmest part of the day.‌She continued: "While I had what I needed at home, this DIY air con wasn't entirely free to build. There was the energy required to freeze the water, and the energy needed to run my fan (which was upped over the four hours)."While it's a limited quick fix, I can confirm that this method does work when needed."‌There are a few warnings to bear in mind though. The tray of ice/water must be positioned at least 30cm away from the fan.Should the fan topple over into the water, it becomes an instant danger.Additionally, if the indoor room temperature rises above 35C, conventional fans shouldn't be directed straight at your body. According to the NHS, the fan functions like a convection oven at that stage, circulating air that's hotter than your skin temperature.Article continues belowThis can actually speed up dehydration. Ensure the fan is aimed away from your body to cool the surrounding air.The existing highest June temperature is 35.6C, which was recorded in Southampton in 1976. That is likely to be surpassed this week.