Britain could be on course for its hottest day ever, with some weather forecasters suggesting temperatures could rocket to 41C as early as next week. Even if the mercury doesn't quite get there, many will still wonder why 30-something degrees in the UK can feel so much worse than a holiday abroad. It turns out that it's not just our imagination, but due to several factors, Britain genuinely can feel hotter than it really is.
Humidity Makes the Heat Feel Worse
One of the biggest reasons this latest heatwave has felt so uncomfortable is high humidity. Our bodies cool down by sweating, but when the air is full of moisture, sweat can't evaporate as easily, meaning your body struggles to get rid of heat. This can make it feel much hotter than the thermometer suggests. Temperatures of around 35C could actually feel closer to 41C.
British Homes Trap Heat
British homes are brilliant at keeping us warm in winter, but not so great when temperatures soar. Heat builds up inside buildings during the day and often has nowhere to go, especially after several days of hot weather. Research by the British Red Cross found 45% of people struggle to stop their homes overheating during a heatwave, rising to 58% for those living in top-floor flats. The charity advises keeping curtains closed during the hottest part of the day and opening windows once the air outside becomes cooler.
Nights Don't Cool Down
When it comes to UK heatwaves, it's often at night that Brits really suffer. With forecasters predicting several tropical nights where temperatures stay above 20C, this trend is set to continue. When it stays that warm overnight, our bodies don't get the chance to recover from the daytime heat, leading to restless sleep, tiredness, and increased risk of heat exhaustion, especially if the hot weather lasts for several days. Because buildings also hold onto heat, bedrooms can stay uncomfortably warm until morning.
Britain Isn't Built for Extreme Heat
Countries that regularly see temperatures in the high 30Cs are designed to cope. Air conditioning is common, buildings stay cooler, and people often avoid the hottest part of the day. Britain hasn't had to adapt in the same way. British Red Cross research found only 46% of people use a fan or air conditioning during a heatwave, while just 19% spend time in cool public spaces. Cities also stay warmer because roads, pavements, and buildings soak up heat during the day before slowly releasing it overnight.
Could the UK Really See 41C?
Some forecast models suggest parts of England could reach 41C next week, which would beat the UK's current record of 40.3C set in July 2022. The Met Office says another heatwave is looking increasingly likely but stresses it's still too early to say exactly how high temperatures will climb.
