Expert Warns Brits to Think Twice Before Drinking in the Heat
Britain is bracing for its fourth heatwave of 2025, with temperatures set to soar to 31°C across 12 cities, including London, Birmingham and Bristol, from 1 August. And while beer gardens and rooftop bars are expected to be packed, expert warns that alcohol and extreme heat make for a potentially dangerous mix.
Brooks Lape, addiction specialist and founder of Start Your Recovery, explains, “When temperatures hit 30°C or above, alcohol transforms from a social drink into a medical risk. Your body is already working overtime to cool itself through sweating. Adding alcohol, which is a powerful diuretic, forces your kidneys to work even harder, accelerating fluid loss when you can least afford it.”
Lape strongly advises avoiding alcohol altogether between 2pm and 8pm on days when temperatures rise above 28°C. “This is when your body temperature is naturally at its highest and your cooling system is most stressed. Adding alcohol during these hours is like throwing petrol on a fire.”
Some settings can increase the effects of heat and alcohol:
Beer gardens without shade – Direct sun exposure intensifies dehydration
Festival grounds – Heat, crowds and limited access to water make a risky combo
Outdoor sporting events – Physical activity plus alcohol heightens the danger
City centres – Urban heat islands can push temperatures up to 5°C higher than forecast
Lape adds, “Heat accelerates alcohol absorption, so you feel intoxicated faster even with less alcohol. It also interferes with your body’s ability to regulate temperature and can mask early signs of heat exhaustion.”
For safer alternatives on hot days, Lape recommends:
- Coconut water with a splash of lime – Natural electrolytes without the diuretic effect
- Iced herbal teas – A cooling option without caffeine
- Diluted fruit juices – Natural sugars for energy, plus hydration
Other tips for staying safe at the pub
- Alternate every alcoholic drink with a glass of water
- Choose shaded seating wherever possible
- Switch to alcohol-free alternatives after 6pm
- Never drink if you’re already feeling overheated