As winter sets in, Londoners are once again complaining about the cold. But while temperatures in the UK capital rarely drop as low as in Canada, many find the damp chill more biting. According to an Instagram video by Ashley Zixuan, the reason lies in heat conductivity.
London's air is damp, and when cold combines with humidity, thermal conductivity increases. Water molecules in the air pull heat away from the skin faster than dry air, making the same temperature feel colder. In Canada, the cold is typically dry, so heat loss is slower.
The urban layout also plays a role. London's narrow streets create an 'urban canyon effect', compressing wind through alleys and increasing its speed. Faster wind strips heat from the skin and reduces the effectiveness of clothing. In contrast, Canadian suburbs have wider, more open street layouts that allow wind to move around buildings rather than through them.
Additionally, many London buildings are old and poorly insulated, with single-glazed windows that let in cold air. Canadian homes are generally better insulated, helping residents retain heat.
Commenters on the video agreed, with one noting that London feels colder than Moscow despite higher temperatures. Another said the wet cold 'disrespects our jackets and any effort to stay dry and warm'.
