Winter is finally creeping in …
Get out those winter gloves and hats – according to Snow Report SA, it is going to be a cold one!
Light snowfall is expected on Thursday afternoon in the Western Cape, which could cause very cold conditions for Gauteng. Temperatures are expected to drop to 14 degrees C on Saturday and 16 degrees C on Sunday.
Here are eight “Toasty Tips for Staying Warm in Cold Weather” (Source: Mental Floss):
1. Warm yourself first.
It’s easier to change your body temperature than room temperature, not to mention more eco-friendly. Instead of turning up the heat, put on another layer of clothing.
2. Wear a hat.
Your mom may have said that you lose 80 per cent of your body heat through your head, but that’s not actually true. If you’re otherwise clothed, you’ll lose heat from any surface that’s exposed. So put on your hat, even if you’re inside.
3. Turn on the ceiling fan.
Warm air rises to the ceiling. Run your fan on its lowest setting in a clockwise direction to push the warm air back down to where you can feel it.
4. Switch between hot and cold water in the shower.
Hot showers immediately warm you up, but cold showers improve blood circulation between your skin and organs. Cold showers are also correlated with a stronger immune system.
5. Block draughts with a pool noodle.
Keep heat in and cold out by cutting a pool noodle in half lengthwise, wrapping it in fabric, and sliding it under your door. It’ll stay put all winter, and you can re-use it at the pool come summer. (But we recommend you spring for a new one!)
6. Dress your windows up in warmer clothes.
If you’re not wearing a tank top or going sleeveless, your windows shouldn’t either. Replace thin curtains with heavier wool or fleece drapes in the winter. But be sure to open them on sunny days for free heat.
7. Go ahead, bake all day.
Using your oven heats up the whole house. You’ll feel even cosier if you invite friends—and all their body heat—over to eat the four dozen cookies you’ve baked!.
8. Layer your bedclothes, with the thinnest, densest ones on top.
It’s intuitive, but fluffy blankets should be closer to your skin. Thin, dense blankets should be on top to prevent convective heat loss.
Bonus tip: Don’t put your bed directly against an exterior wall. You’ll be warmer if you leave a little space.
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