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Hotter weather is set to return to the UK at the end of this week, according to the Met Office, with temperatures spiking this Friday.

Conditions could hit a positively warm 23C in London on Friday, May 1, according to the latest forecasts, while temperatures rise across several other parts of the UK.

Consequently, everyone who needs to keep their house cool will be looking for ways to keep the heat out, which experts advise includes closing curtains when sunny weather comes back.

Because your average British house is designed to retain heat for our generally mild climate and chilly winters, they are ill-prepared for getting rid of excess heat, trapping warmth and quickly transforming into uncomfortably hot and humid sweat boxes.

Advice previously issued by energy supplier British Gas tells households how to reduce heat build-up in their homes by closing curtains during the day.

It says, in its advice on how to keep your house cool in hot weather: "Tempting as it might be to throw your windows open during a heatwave, leaving them shut when the day is at its hottest will keep the house cool. So try to only let the air in early or late in the day.

"Light coloured blinds and curtains made of a weightier fabric offer the best heat-blocking potential, so go for these if you're thinking of updating yours - but keep hold of any darker ones that you replace, so you can switch back once the temperature drops to keep the heat in. Keep these closed during the day too to keep your house cool in summer."

British Gas also stresses that households can close and open doors tactically. It says: "If you're using a fan, closing off unused rooms during the day will keep the house cool in summer by focusing your cooling efforts where you'll feel them the most. Similarly, opening your doors in the evening will get the air flowing and stop your home feeling stuffy."

As well as keeping your house cool, keeping yourself cool is important. It adds: "Wear loose, lightweight clothing made of natural fibres like cotton and linen. Use an icepack, chilled hot water bottle or cold cloth on your wrists and feet for an instant cold hit. And if it's really stuffy inside, consider a dehumidifier. It'll pull the moisture out of the air and let your skin breathe better."

The Met Office forecast for Friday May 1 to Sunday May 10 says: "During this period, conditions will probably be more changeable than they have been recently, with low pressure systems becoming more likely. This means an increasing chance of showers or longer spells of rain, with a risk of strong winds at times. Some dry spells with some warm sunshine are still likely at times too, with a risk of a few short-lived early morning fog patches. Temperatures are likely to be close to or slightly above normal."