Households in England and across the UK are being urged to close their windows, as well as curtains and blinds, from Sunday until at least Monday. Hot weather is set to return with a flourish this Friday, peaking with two sunny warm days on Sunday and Monday for much of the UK, according to the latest Met Office forecasts.

Although temperatures have cooled a little this week, hot weather is expected to return in parts of the country on Sunday and Monday, including in London and up north.

The latest Met Office forecast says temperatures will hit 21C on Saturday, followed by a peak of 23C on Sunday, then staying at 22C on Monday and Tuesday before dropping to 21C on Wednesday.

The forecaster said in its latest forecast: "Dry across the majority of the UK with clear or sunny spells for many areas as high pressure dominates the weather pattern across the UK."

Homes across England in particular will be getting hot as the May sunshine cooks us in our well-insulated buildings, constructed to withstand the cold British winters rather than warm summer sun for extended periods.

It means that households in England are being urged to take steps to keep their house cool in the sunshine.

And one way of doing so is to close windows and curtains or blinds in the sunniest conditions, and tactically open windows in shaded areas and open all your windows again in the evening, when outside air temperatures are lower.

Energy firm OVO says: "Tempting as it is to fling open the windows at the first sign of summer, it's not actually the best idea. To keep your house cool, you need to keep the hot air out.

"This means keeping windows closed during the day – particularly south-facing windows. Keep curtains, blinds and windows shut when the sun is shining directly on them, and when you’re out. Try opening windows on the most shaded side of your home, to avoid sunlight and hot air getting in."

This advice is echoed by energy supplier British Gas. It says: "Tempting as it might be to throw your windows open during a heatwave, leaving them shut when the day is at its hottest will keep the house cool.

"So try to only let the air in early, or late, in the day. Light coloured blinds and curtains made of a weightier fabric offer the best heat-blocking potential, so go for these if you’re thinking of updating yours – but keep hold of any darker ones that you replace, so you can switch back once the temperature drops to keep the heat in. Keep these closed during the day too to keep your house cool in summer."

According to the advice from heating professionals at BOXT, this tip does work especially if you combine with strategic cross breezes.

Andy Kerr, the founder of BOXT, adds: "When temperatures are particularly warm, opening up all your windows will let more hot air into your home, heating up your home and making you feel warmer.

"Instead of opening all your windows, it is much better to strategically open windows to create cross breezes throughout the day and open your windows during the night to let cooler air in."