Shania King-Soyza

Chef Carina shares a three-ingredient scone recipe using self-raising flour, double cream and carbonated lemonade such as Sprite or 7UP. The carbonation helps the scones rise and become light and fluffy, while sparkling water with sugar, Greek yoghurt or buttermilk can be used as alternatives. The recipe makes 12 scones and recommends baking them at 220°C for 20–25 minutes.

During a heatwave, homes can be kept cooler without relying on fans or air conditioning by closing curtains, blinds and shutters before temperatures peak, using reflective coverings on windows, and opening windows and doors in the evening to create cross-ventilation. Residents are advised to focus cooling efforts on one or two rooms, avoid heat-generating spaces such as kitchens, and use fans only when needed; placing a bowl of ice beneath a fan may provide additional cooling.