After a stifling week of hot weather which has seen us all battling to keep houses cool across the UK, this weekend will finally offer some respite as cooler temperatures arrive on Saturday and Sunday.

But it will only be a temporary reprieve, Met Office forecasters have warned, with more hot conditions arriving again on Monday, as temperatures rise again early in the new week.

Although the mercury will only read 24C on Saturday and Sunday - a far cry from the 32C peaks in the past seven days - the latest weather forecasts have pegged Monday's temperatures at highs of 28C again, followed by 25C on Tuesday.

Finally, temperatures will come down slightly on Wednesday, August 7, with just 23C.

And the heat will last until at least Wednesday, meaning more impetus to try to cool your house next week.

Due to the typical British architecture 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.

Now, Brits are again being urged to draw their curtains and blinds and close their windows during the hottest parts of the day, from Monday until at leadt Wednesday as a measure to combat the sweltering heat engulfing homes across the nation.

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 amid heatwaves, 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 11 am to 3 pm.

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.