Wake up early, keep roman shades down to cool off

With only two days left on the calendar, July is shaping up to be one of the hottest months on record. Although New York City has seen some of the most oppressive heat in recent memory, The New York Times reports that some residents are finding a brief respite from the heat, even if it means having to get up incredibly early.

According to the news source, the National Weather Service has found that the hour between 5 a.m. and 6 a.m. is the coolest of the day - averaging a temperature 71 degrees during July.

"This is the only time of day I enjoy," a New York resident named Thompson told the news outlet "The rest of the time I run away from the heat."

For those who do not want to get up early to avoid the heat, there are numerous other options at one's disposal to stay cool. Experts told Yahoo.com, that keeping window shades drawn throughout the day can provide homeowners with a refreshing burst of cooler air when they enter their house after a long day.

Roman shades can be especially effective at blocking sunlight, while at the same time offering a pleasing aesthetic element to any room.