Expert reveals why UK heat feels hotter than it actually is

Just like that, summer seems to have arrived. After a rotten four and a bit months to start off 2024, warm weather looks finally set to stay put in the UK. For now, at least.

Firstl,y that means you should make sure you're putting suncream on when appropriate. Safety first and that. But with the arrival of decent weather comes the recurring phenomenon of 'British heat'.

Yep, it might only be a pleasant 18C but you're left sweating buckets as if it is 10 to 15 degrees warmer. There is science behind this, though, and it makes for interesting reading.

It comes as non-Brits have started to take to the likes of TikTok to vent their bemusement at why it feels so hot in the UK.

One Aussie, Cal Parton, said in one video: "I've got a massive bone to pick with my immune system. It's about 9am, pushing 13C, and I'm dripping with sweat after a five minute casual cycle to the gym.

"What the f**k is happening to me? I wouldn't even get out of bed for 15C at home [Australia] now I'm literally in a puddle of my own perspiration."

"Non-Brits have been taking to TikTok to ask why British heat feels so much warmer than it actually is," one TikTok user replied.

Another said: "UK heat is completely different to the rest of the world."

And a third wrote: "I used to live in South Africa and UK heat hits differently. I'm fine at 26C in SA, but in the UK, I'd consider that hot."

And it's not just in our heads. There are a number of factors that mean this is more than just psychological.

With temperatures in the UK set to hit highs of 31C, LADbible spoke to Johan Jacques, chief meteorologist at KISTERS, who explained why British summers feel as hot as they do when the sun shines.

"While in many cases the perception of heat in the UK is psychological, as we don't usually expect it to be hot AND often haven't acclimatised to it, we may feel it is hotter than it actually is," Jacques admits.

"However, there are also tangible reasons why heat in the UK can sometimes feel particularly uncomfortable."

Relative humidity

Jacques says: "The first is 'relative humidity'. In the UK, relative humidity is often higher than in countries with dry heat.

"This makes it harder for our bodies to cool down because sweat doesn't evaporate as well. That's why you feel hotter and stickier.

"In contrast, in areas with dry heat, sweat evaporates more quickly and cools your body more effectively.

This difference is why 35C in a dry climate can feel more comfortable than 30C with high relative humidity."

The buildings around us

"Another factor is infrastructure," he continues.

"In the UK, buildings are designed to retain heat because of the typically cool and damp climate. Insulation that helps save energy in winter can make buildings stifling in a heatwave, especially without air conditioning.

"Many homes also have small windows and poor ventilation, which adds to the feeling of heat indoors. Plus, in the UK, because we are not used to hot climates, we often maintain our usual household activities such as cooking or even boiling water, which of course adds more heat and moisture to our homes or living spaces – making it feel hotter.

"In contrast, buildings in hotter countries are often designed to stay cool, with features such as air conditioning, thick walls, small windows and efficient ventilation, and the buildings are often white. These design elements help to moderate indoor temperatures and maintain comfort in extreme heat.

Urban expansion

Jacques says: "Finally, urban environments tend to be hotter than rural areas due to the heat island effect, where concrete and asphalt absorb and radiate heat.

"Cities also have limited night-time cooling, which contributes to discomfort during a heatwave.

"In short, heat in the UK can feel intense because it's often the result of high relative humidity, inadequate ventilation in buildings designed to keep the heat in, and urban heat."