NHS doctor explains why UK heat is hotter than when you’re on holiday

An NHS doctor has explained why the UK feels warmer than abroad when the sun shines on us – and there’s a perfect explanation.

If you’ve ever been abroad and felt the heat that many of us love, you’ll know that 25C abroad is completely different to 25C in the UK. And while we Brits like to complain about the weather, we might actually be justified in our moaning.

Dr Karan Raj aka @dr.karanr asked on TikTok: “Why does the heat in the UK feel even hotter than when you’re abroad?” Joking that we like to complain about everything, including the weather, he added that “there are some rational explanations for this temperature perception problem.”

First, he says a lot of it has to do with relative humidity. He explains: “This is the amount of moisture in the air compared to the maximum amount of moisture the air can hold at that temperature.

“In Britain, the relative humidity is higher than in countries with dry heat. This makes it harder to cool the body because the sweat doesn’t evaporate as well. So you feel hot and sticky like a roast pig. This is why 35C in a dry climate may feel more comfortable than 25C in a place with high relative humidity.”

Speaking of another factor, he says it’s all about our infrastructure. He explains: “In the UK, buildings are designed to retain heat because the weather is usually cold, wet and stupid.

“The same insulation that helps save energy in winter makes buildings a greenhouse in summer, especially without air conditioning, which most homes in the UK don’t have.

“In contrast, buildings in warmer climates are designed to stay cool. Thick walls and large windows sometimes even with shutters and colored coverings on the buildings to deflect the heat.”

Tips for coping with hot weather

According to the NHS, you should avoid heat when possible. If you must go outdoors, seek shade, especially between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., apply sunscreen, wear a hat and light clothing, and refrain from activities that raise your body temperature.

Stay cool and eat cold foods and drinks, avoid alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks and take a cold shower or apply cold water to your skin or clothes.

They add that you should try to maintain a cool environment at home. Close the windows during the warmer hours and open them at night when it is cooler. Use electric fans when the temperature is below 35 degrees Celsius. Monitor the temperature in rooms, especially those used by people who are more vulnerable.

What are the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion?

Signs of heat exhaustion include:

• fatigue
• dizziness
• headache
• feeling bad or bad
• excessive sweating and skin that becomes pale and clammy or a heat rash occurs, but a change in skin color may be harder to see on brown and black skin
• cramps in the arms, legs and stomach
• rapid breathing or heartbeat
• a high temperature
• being very thirsty
• weakness