Heatwave freebies: Asda gives away cold drinks to customers as temperatures soar

Another heatwave is leaving Brits sweltering in hot temperatures.

To help people cool down, Asda is offering shoppers a free drink cold drink in its cafés for one day only.

Customers visiting participating Asda stores on Thursday 13 August (tomorrow) will be able to claim a free Iced Tea or Cloudy Lemonade, while stocks last.

The giveaway comes as research by the supermarket suggests nearly three quarters of people have spent longer than usual in a supermarket or shop during hot weather simply because it's cooler inside.

Here is how to claim your free drink and other sources of support to help you through the UK's latest heatwave.

How to get a free Asda drink

The free drinks offer is available in participating Asda cafés on Thursday 13 August.

Shoppers can choose either an iced tea, or a cloudy lemonade.

The offer is available while stocks last, so it could be a good idea to visit earlier in the day - rather than later - to avoid disappointment.

Customers can take the opportunity to cool off with the drink and a wander through the frozen aisle to beat the heat.

Other heatwave freebies

If you are looking for more help to get through the heatwave, check with your energy supplier.

Some providers are offering free fans and other cooling equipment to vulnerable customers during periods of hot weather.

For example, EDF is giving free fans out through its Heatwave Relief Packs targeted at vulnerable households.

The tailored package also offers thermal blackout curtains, reflective window film, reusable water bottles, cooling towels, and up to £20 in electricity credit or vouchers.

The support is worth up to £100.

It may be that you have low income, health conditions, or other vulnerabilities that could see you get help so it's worth touching in with your supplier if you're struggling.

Heatwave help from your local council

Your local council may also be able to help during the heatwave.

For example, in London, Westminster City Council in partnership with Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and Camden Councils if offering Cool Kits to support vulnerable residents across the borough this summer, helping those most at risk stay cool and safe during periods of extreme heat. 

The packs contain items such as desk fans, cooling gel pillow pads and reflective window blinds, alongside potentially life-saving advice on staying safe in extreme heat. 

Councils in England are also using the Crisis and Resilience Fund to provide different types of support to households facing financial hardship.

The exact help available depends on where you live, but schemes can include emergency cash payments, as well as help with energy bills.

There isn't a standard payment available from every council, so check your local authority's website to see what support it offers.

How to keep your home cool without spending more

You don't necessarily need expensive air conditioning to reduce the temperature inside your home.

There are a few budget moves you can make to help make your pad cooler.

For example, try keeping your curtains drawn during the day when the sun is shining through to avoid a greenhouse effect in your home.

Also try placing a bowl of ice in front of a traditional fan, so that it pushes the cooled air through the room. 

Avoid generating unnecessary heat indoors, this could mean not using hair dryers, vacuums and ovens during the warmer parts of the day.