Dr Amir Khan has shared the real reason the UK heatwave 'feels different' to being on holiday abroad - and it's not just in our heads. With the UK sweltering in temperatures that have reached 40°C in some areas this week, many people will undoubtedly wonder why the hot weather in the UK somehow feels worse than on holiday, even though it is about the same. And, a doctor has confirmed that it's not all in your head.
Psychological Factors at Play
ITV regular Dr Amir Khan, known for his contributions on Lorraine and Good Morning Britain, recently posted on Instagram to address the question of how Brits are coping with the current heatwave. He said: "Have you ever wondered why 28°C in Spain feels amazing, but 28°C in Britain feels like you're slowly being cooked inside a Greggs oven? Well, every summer, British people say the same thing."
For those who feel comfortable with 30°C heat while on holiday, the main reason is psychological. Dr Khan explained: "When you're on holiday, you're usually wearing shorts, a bathing costume, sitting by a pool, sipping something cold, and your biggest decision is whether to have another ice cream or a dip in the pool. But, when you're stuck at work, you're wearing office clothes, trying to answer emails and pretending your face isn't melting during a team's meeting. So the temperature might be the same, but your stress levels are not."
Building Design and Lifestyle Differences
On top of this, our buildings simply aren't built for these conditions. The majority of British homes and businesses are built to retain warmth, which feels great during the typically harsh winter, but becomes a problem during summers that appear to be growing warmer with each passing year. Dr Khan said: "Our homes are insulated, our offices don't have air conditioning, and once the heat gets in, it can feel like you're living inside of a baked potato with foil on. Meanwhile, many hot countries are designed to stay cool with shutters, thick walls and air conditioning everywhere."
Apart from the buildings where we spend the bulk of our time during a UK heatwave, Dr Khan claims the UK simply "isn't adapted" to the heat. He said: "Countries that regularly experience hot weather have lifestyles built around it. People avoid the midday sun, shops may close during the hottest part of the day and daily routines are designed around the heat. People generally come out in the evenings. In Britain, we carry on exactly as normal, then act surprised when we're sweating on a packed Tube. So no, you're not imagining it. Holiday heat and work heat are two completely different 'medical conditions'."
When Will the Weather Start to Cool Down?
The Met Office has extended an amber warning until 9pm on Saturday, June 27, as temperatures are expected to remain above earlier record-breaking levels. The heatwave is being driven by a "heat-dome" that has settled over western Europe, bringing extreme conditions right across the continent. The scorching heat is due to continue in particular areas of the country well into the weekend. But, relief is approaching, as the muggy days and nights are forecast to ease over the weekend, with fresher conditions expected from Sunday onwards.
