NHS surgeon Dr Karan Rajan has explained why heatwaves in the UK often feel more unbearable than in hotter countries, citing higher relative humidity and home construction designed to retain heat.
Humidity Makes the Heat Feel Worse
In a TikTok video from June 2024, Dr Rajan addressed the question: "Why does the heat in the UK feel even hotter than when you're abroad?" He noted that while Britons are known for complaining about the weather, there are rational explanations for this perception.
A key factor is relative humidity, which he described as the "amount of moisture in the air compared to the maximum amount of moisture the air can hold at that temperature." Higher humidity in the UK means sweat evaporates less effectively, making people feel hot and sticky. "Sweat doesn't evaporate as well so you feel hot and sticky like a roast barbecue pig," he said.
British Homes Are Designed to Retain Heat
Dr Rajan also pointed out that British homes are built to conserve heat, which helps in winter but makes indoor conditions sweltering during heatwaves. The vast majority of UK homes lack air conditioning. In contrast, buildings in warmer countries are designed to stay cool with thick walls, large windows, shutters, and reflective coatings.
He joked that "the British are just notoriously bad at dealing with the heat, and the cold, and the rain."
Current Heatwave and Health Alerts
The Met Office reported that temperatures were expected to climb into the mid-30s Celsius across parts of the UK, with many areas experiencing their third heatwave of the year. Amber and yellow heat health alerts were issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), indicating significant impacts likely on health and social care services.
Deputy Chief Forecaster Tom Crabtree said: "Many people will understandably want to know how long the current heatwave is likely to last. While temperatures are expected to ease across southeast England through the weekend and into next week, it won't be a straightforward end to the warm weather." He added that high pressure would remain dominant, bringing continued fine, dry, and very warm weather, with a chance of thunderstorms in parts of the south and southwest.
