How can one stay cool without an air conditioner during a year of record-breaking heat? In a previous article, we featured insights from heatwave researcher Dr. Gulrez Shah Azhar on how he managed high temperatures in India without A/C. We also invited NPR readers to share their tips. Below are some of their responses, along with Azhar’s commentary on their advice and additional insights.
Watch what you eat!
Colette Parry, Boston, Mass.: In Portland, Oregon, we avoided cooking during hot summer days. Instead, we prepared no-cook meals like corn and bean salad. Anything that required cooking was done at night and then enjoyed cold or heated up in the microwave.
Azhar: This is a clever and simple method. I fully endorse it!
Meg T., Portland, Maine: I learned in India to eat cooling foods like watermelon and cucumber on extremely hot days. It significantly lowers body temperature and helps cope with the heat.
Azhar: Yes, foods rich in fluids and electrolytes are excellent for staying cool and hydrated. I would also add yogurt-based drinks like raita and buttermilk to the list.
Anthea Peck, Sebastopol, Calif.: Growing up in Georgia and India, I have many memories of the heat. To combat heat exhaustion, my father, who worked for the World Health Organization, provided me with U.N. oral rehydration packets. My school also advised carrying salt packets.
Azhar: This is a smart approach. Either an ORS pack or a mixture of sugar, salt, and water can help replenish lost electrolytes due to sweating.
Water yourself
Laurisa Rich, Martha’s Vineyard, Mass.: When I lived in the tropics, I found keeping my hair wet and dripping to be refreshing and helped me stay cool.
Azhar: This is an underrated way to stay cool! However, be cautious with hard water as it may harm your hair.
Jeff Weit, Atascadero, Calif.: In East Los Angeles, where I grew up, we used squirt bottles filled with water to spray ourselves while lying in bed. We also used box fans for additional relief.
Azhar: In India, we would use table fans or pedestal fans for playing with water. During the summer, a festival called “Holi” is celebrated by spraying dry and wet colors (using water balloons and bottles).
Sleep smart — and cool
Scott Taylor, Lawrence, Kan.: In southern Arizona, some older homes had “Arizona rooms,” which were projecting, three-sided screened porches. Families would sleep there as it was cooler than the main house with just the windows open.
Azhar: A fantastic idea! It’s a pleasant way to stay cool.
L. Chunn, Prescott, Ariz.: In Monrovia, a suburb of Los Angeles, I would lie down on the cold concrete floor and read a book while wearing minimal clothing. When one spot became warm, I would move to another.
Azhar: I remember sleeping on the cemented roof after spraying water on it in India. The evaporating water cools the roof, and we would spread out white or light-colored sheets to lie on at night.
Ice packs are your pals
Anne James, San Leandro, Calif.: In my older home without air conditioning, I keep ice packs in my freezer. Before bed, I place them between the sheets to cool off the mattress, and sometimes lay on them as well.
Azhar: Cool idea!
Lisa Downey, Lahaina, Hawaii: For menopausal women, a gel pack can be used under the neck or on the chest at bedtime. Wrapping the gel pack with a cotton tea towel helps prevent excessive heat. Cotton works better than synthetic materials.
Azhar: This sounds refreshing! I should try it.
Jackie Bencke, Kumamoto, Japan: I freeze small gel/ice packs, wrap them in fabric, and pin them in the armpits of my shirts for the morning commute. It’s a game changer!
Azhar: Yes, I have heard about cooling vests. This is a great alternative to reduce plastic waste.
Homemade AC
Ann Wasgatt, Roseville, Calif: In California before air conditioning, my grandmother closed the curtains on the sunny side of the house and placed ice cubes in a tray to create a cooling effect with a fan.
Azhar: That’s a smart trick! Drawing heavy curtains when it’s sunny outside makes a lot of sense.
Keep those wrists cool
Nancy Gerhardt, Westminster, Colo.: My mom taught me to run cold water over the inside of my wrists to cool down.
Azhar: Yes, these pulse or pressure points are effective in cooling the body.