Despite summer coming to an end, Brits are set to sizzle in temperatures exceeding a whopping 30C by the end of the month.
Weather maps shared by forecasting model WX Charts predicts a heatwave will hit southern parts of the UK from midnight on August 30.
After days of rain and grey clouds, many Brits will rush at the chance to top up their tan, in what could likely be the last sunny spell of the year.
However, if you’re not careful, you could easily get burnt – and end up spending half of your time in the shade, slathered in aftersun.
Luckily, there is a cheap and effective way to soothe irritated skin, using a baking staple you probably already have lying around the kitchen.
Taking to Instagram, household brand Arm & Hammer, which sells a slew of products featuring baking soda, recently posted about three ‘unique ways’ of using the chemical compound that you probably didn’t know about.
“Pour 1-2 cups of baking soda into a lukewarm bath and submerge the affected areas for almost instant relief,” A&H said, after stating the product can be used to ‘soothe’ mosquito bites and sunburn.
You can pick up baking soda from your nearest supermarket or general store. Amazon is currently selling a 277g box for £3.61.
The NHS recommends getting out of the sun ‘as soon as possible’ if you get burnt. “Cool your skin with a cool shower, bath or damp towel,” it states – warning children or babies should not get ‘too cold’.
It also advises applying aftersun or cream, drinking plenty of water, taking painkillers, and covering sunburnt skin from direct sunlight.
“Do not use petroleum jelly on sunburnt skin,” the medical adds, also warning about applying ice or ice packs, popping blisters, scratching or removing peeling skin, and wearing ‘tight-fitting’ clothes.