During a heatwave, curtains should be drawn before the sun turns harsh. Thick curtains, cotton bedsheets, bamboo blinds or even cardboard sheets can help block direct sunlight from entering the room

For quick relief, place a bowl of ice or chilled water in front of a table fan. As the fan blows air over the cold surface, it can create a cooler breeze for some time. 

In many apartments, floors and balconies absorb heat throughout the day. Mopping the floor with cool water in the evening can help bring down the room temperature slightly.

During peak afternoon heat, hot air from outside can make the room warmer. Instead, open windows early in the morning and late in the evening when the air is relatively cooler. 

Tube lights, laptops, chargers, ovens, TVs and even long cooking sessions can make a room warmer. During heatwave days, switch off appliances when not in use and avoid heavy cooking in the afternoon