UK households should make sure their Wi-Fi isn’t affected this weekend as the country experienced its third scorching heatwave of the summer. Temperatures in the UK are set to soar from today (Thursday, July 10) and will be high throughout the weekend, exceeding 30C in many parts of the country, with some areas getting as hot as 38C. The south of England will be the hottest region of the country, but much of Britain is expected to experience high temperatures, meaning many people will struggle to keep cool. 

There are many things people need to do when a heatwave hits. To keep their homes cool, Brits are urged to avoid cooking at certain times and stop using appliances such as washing machines. What many UK households don’t realise is that Wi-Fi can be greatly affected during a heatwave. So, there are certain steps that Brits should take when it comes to their internet connection as temperatures rise and the UK is hit with its third heat surge of the summer. 

Heatwaves can cause Wi-Fi routers, like other electronic appliances, to overheat. This means that they won’t work as well as they should, and your internet speeds will suffer. This is especially irritating when you are staying indoors and streaming series and films while escaping the heat outside. 

The Wi-Fi experts at Widescope have shared advice for households trying to salvage their Wi-Fi during a heatwave. Firstly, you should move your router to a shaded spot in your home. It should be kept out of direct sunlight to help prevent it from overheating. 

However, Brits need to be careful with this. Placing your Wi-Fi router near thick walls or in an enclosed space will also affect its connection. Signals find it hard to penetrate thick walls, so where you place the router is essential when choosing a new place out of direct sunlight and high temperatures. 

Additionally, Wi-Fi routers should be placed on a hard surface. This allows air to flow adequately around the device’s vents. You should never place it on a soft, cushiony surface such as a sofa or a rug because this can cause it to overheat. 

While the placement of your Wi-Fi router is essential for its performance during a heatwave, there is one extra step you can take. Widescope suggest switching off or unplugging your Wi-Fi when it is not in use. 

This, they explain, means its components won’t be exposed to prolonged high temperatures. Doing this gives your router a break while in the heat.