A UK heatwave feels more intense than hot weather abroad due to several factors. Experts explain exactly why this is the case as the Met Office forecasts 34C temperatures for parts of England
If you’ve ever wondered why 25°C in the UK feels like a sauna compared to the same temperature abroad, don’t worry, many others have also wondered the same. It’s not just all in your head, and it actually might be a legitimate grievance.
According to NHS doctor Dr Karan Raj, there are some very real and logical reasons why heatwaves in Britain feel so unbearable – and it’s not just because we’re not used to it. Taking to TikTok, Dr Raj known online as @dr.karanr explained why British heat hits differently and he laid out some key reasons why summer in the UK can feel like you’re “a roast barbecue pig”.
The Met Office said the UK is set to reach highs of 34C this weekend, with large parts of the UK basking in temperatures around 30C.
READ MORE: Exact date UK temperatures to fall dramatically ending sweltering 34C heatwave
Humidity
The first culprit? Humidity. British heat is often accompanied by high relative humidity, which is the amount of moisture in the air compared to the maximum it can hold at a given temperature. When humidity is high, sweat doesn’t evaporate as effectively – and that’s a big problem for cooling down.
“In the UK, the relative humidity is higher than in countries with dry heat. This makes it harder for our bodies to cool down because sweat doesn’t evaporate as well. So you feel hot and sticky like a roast barbecue pig. This is why 35C in a dry climate can feel more comfortable than 25C in a place with high relative humidity.”
It’s the reason why 35°C in a dry climate like Spain or Portugal might feel far more bearable than 25°C on a muggy day in the Midlands.
Homes designed to trap heat
Another reason Brits feel the burn? Our buildings are simply not built for the heat. “In the UK, the buildings are designed to retain heat because the weather is usually cold, soggy and silly,” says Dr Raj. Great in the winter not so much during a summer scorcher.
Most UK homes don’t have air conditioning, and insulation that helps conserve warmth in the winter turns homes into mini greenhouses during a heatwave. By contrast, buildings in warmer countries are often designed to stay cool think thick walls, large windows, shutters, and heat-reflecting coatings.
We’re simply not set up for it
The Met Office agrees that the UK isn’t well equipped to handle high temperatures. Annie Shuttleworth, a Met Office meteorologist, told Stylist that how we experience heat at home versus abroad plays a huge role.
“When we experience heat abroad, we’re usually on holiday, and may be close to a pool or the beach,” she says. And let’s be honest lounging with a cocktail in hand feels a lot better than sweating through your morning commute. Meanwhile, air conditioning and heat-adapted buildings make a world of difference in southern Europe.
Even at night, there’s no relief. Without cooler night-time temperatures, our bodies don’t get a chance to recover.
How heat affects the body
It’s not all in your head, there’s real science behind it. Heat loss relies on a temperature gradient between your body and the surrounding air. When it’s hot and humid, that process becomes less efficient.
“Sweating cools you down because when the water evaporates, it transfers energy away from your body. However, sweating is less effective if there is already a lot of moisture in the air,” explains Dr Matthew Patterson, a meteorologist speaking to BBC Science Focus. But when the air is already saturated with moisture, sweat struggles to evaporate, making you feel even hotter.
This is also why the UK sees heat-health alerts even when temperatures are in the low 30s. These levels might seem pleasant elsewhere, but they can cause serious disruption in the UK. Risk to life, wildfires, transport chaos, and power outages are all on the cards during a UK heatwave.
How to keep cool
The NHS advises staying out of the sun when possible, especially between 11am and 3pm. If you do need to head out, wear light clothing, a hat, and use sunscreen. At home, keep blinds and windows shut during the day and open them at night to let in cooler air.
Drink plenty of fluids and consider taking a cool shower or dampening your clothes to help regulate your body temperature.
If you’re feeling dizzy, nauseous, or overly tired, these could be signs of heat exhaustion. Other symptoms include headaches, pale and clammy skin, muscle cramps, fast breathing or heartbeat, and extreme thirst.
READ MORE: Top Tech: 5 fans to beat the heatwave from Amazon, Shark, and Dyson