Sun protection

In countries where high temperatures and strong sunshine are expected in the summer it is quite common to have shutters fitted on the outside of windows.  These can be used to stop the sun shining into rooms and heating them up excessively,

In the UK such temperatures are relatively unusual.  The current weather conditions are exceptional.  One neighbour decided to improvise by hanging colourful drapes over the outside of their windows.

I don't think the outside temperature here exceeded 37C.  Inside the house, the temperatures were generally in the 25C-28C range, although my study did peak at just over 30C late this afternoon - probably assisted by  heat generated from computing equipment.