Brits love to complain about the weather – and rightfully so – the UK is in the midst of another heatwave.
Today could be the hottest May bank holiday since records began.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued amber heat health alerts on Friday morning for the East Midlands, West Midlands, the East of England, London and the South East.
While the UK has been gripped by hot temperatures this week, many on social media
‘The UK sun hits different’
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One X user pointed out: ‘I’ve lived in the US for the last two summers, and it regularly reached 35, it was NEVER as unbearable as the last two days here have been. UK heat is genuinely the worst. People don’t understand.’
Another added: ‘We finally reached that time of year where ppl from the UK complain about the heat, then ppl from hotter countries say we’re being dramatic, then ppl who r visiting the UK admit that the heat is unbearable.’
So why does the UK feel hotter than other countries when temperatures get like this? We take a look below.
Why do the hot temperatures feel different in the UK?
Quite rightly, people are wondering why the temperatures always feel sweltering when it gets to this time of the year.
Met Office spokesperson Stephen Dixon has a few answers and told Metro: ‘Meteorologically, the UK air tends to be more humid compared to that in continental Europe.
‘High humidity can make it harder for sweat to evaporate, which is how we naturally cool ourselves down.’
Another reason why we are all feeling so hot right now is the way in which our houses are built.
‘Houses in Europe are often more adapted to higher temperatures, allowing those inside to stay cool,’ Stephen explained.
‘While many in the UK need well-insulated homes for those cold winter months, which means they naturally retain heat.’
How to stay cool in the hot weather
- If you need to go outside between the hours of 11am and 3pm, avoid the heat where possible, seek shade, apply sunscreen, wear a hat and light clothing.
- To stay cool, eat cold meals and drink beverages but steer clear of alcohol, caffeine and warm drinks. Take a cool shower or apply cool water to your skin and clothing.
- To maintain a cool environment at home, shut windows during hotter hours and open them at night. Use electric fans when the temperature is below 35°C.
- Keep an eye on temperatures in rooms, especially those used by vulnerable individuals.
Source: NHS
The last factor is all down to people’s mentality which is different to when they are abroad on holiday.
Stephen added: ‘When people from the UK go abroad, they’re often well-prepared for heat.
‘Many European countries have a routine (meal times) that are adapted to it being hot.
‘The heat can sometimes feel worse in the UK simply down to not expecting it in the same way people do when they go abroad.’
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