Why does 30 degrees in the UK feel like it 'hits different'

Metro

19-06-2025

People in the UK love to complain about the weather and this could be justified after much of the UK is predicted to enter a heatwave.
A hot weather health warning covering all of England has also been upgraded to amber ahead of 33°C temperatures predicted on Saturday.
The UK Health Security Agency has warned that a rise in deaths is likely 'particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions'.
While the UK has been gripped by hot temperatures this week, Americans across social media have been posting about how 30°C feels hotter in the UK compared to being abroad.
A TikTok user called redbusruss said: 'I am never doubting a Brit again when they tell me that the UK sun hits different. I feel like I'm in a sauna.'
Another on TikTok called kalanighosthunter posted a video of himself putting his face in a freezer and joked that Britain conquered the world to escape the heat.
'I always thought British people were lying when they said how hot it is over here but for some reason it just feels like you are melting,' kalanighosthunter also said on his TikTok account.
An American who has spent three summers in the UK with the TikTok username mortonsmunchies said: 'How are we surviving this heat? I'm not used to the heat and not having air conditioning.'
So why does the UK feel hotter than other countries when temperatures get like this? We take a look below.
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 behind 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.' If going 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. More Trending
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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