Why a heatwave in the UK feels hotter than 30C heat abroad

Temperatures are set to hit up to 33 degrees in the UK next week.

Well, it turns out there's a legit reason for it, and it's not just in our heads.

While temperatures of 30C can feel breezy and pleasant in the holiday hotspots like Spain and Portugal, in the UK it can feel sticky and humid.

The Met Office has forecasted that parts of the UK could reach highs of 33C next week (London), with many areas hitting temperatures around 30C.

All in the head?

Annie Shuttleworth, a meteorologist from the Met Office, told Stylist: "It is perhaps how heatwaves in the UK are perceived that makes them less manageable.

"When we experience heat abroad, we're usually on holiday and may be close to a pool or the beach. In general, buildings and infrastructure are also more set up for heat abroad – for example, there is more air conditioning."

Maybe the thought of 30C next to a swimming pool or on the beach is one that is enjoyable because, firstly, you've chosen to be there, and secondly because the environment makes sense.

However, when you're sweating away walking or commuting to work, doing a physical job or sat a desk, the heat isn't wanted and instantly makes it feel worse.

Humidity

The feeling of the temperature is all to do with humidity.

In 2021, the Met Office told MyLondon: "The level of humidity can be higher in the UK than in continental Europe. If humidity is high, it is harder for the human body to keep cool as your sweat doesn't evaporate as quickly.

Bank holiday is sure to see lots of people head to the beach. Getty.

"This is made worse given that we are experiencing more 'tropical nights' – nights where the temperature doesn't go below 20C, meaning we get no respite from the heat and time for our body to recover."

Fortunately next week, nights won't be this hot, but will still hover around the 17C mark.

Sweat relies on a temperature gradient between us and the air, meaning the process becomes less effective the hotter it gets.

Sweat naturally cools us down through the evaporation process; however, humidity can affect this.

Speaking to BBC Science Focus, meteorologist Dr Matthew Patterson said: "Sweating cools you down because when the water evaporates, it transfers energy away from your body. However, sweating is less effective if there is already a lot of moisture in the air."

This explains why it can feel hotter in the UK and also explains why health and weather warning are issued when heatwaves occur here.

Also speaking to BBC Science Focus, climate expert Professor Hannah Cloke added: "Two regions might have identical temperatures, but one might feel OK, while the other leaves people dangerously overheated. Measures like the UTCI can provide planners with a much better understanding of where and when the impacts of a heatwave will be felt."

A nation not build for heat

The UK is built for that Goldilocks zone between too hot and too cold.

Many houses are brick with decent amounts of insulation to keep the heat in during winter, but also let enough out in summer.

This makes the British house great in low 20C region, but once the mercury starts hitting the 30s then it gets insufferable.

Pretty much no housing in the UK comes with air conditioning (unless you're one of the lucky few) because it's not needed most of the year.

Abroad, especially in southern Europe, the United States and other warmer climates, air con is a lot more common.

The best we can do here is a fan and a Flake 99.

Enjoy the heat everyone, but remember to drink plenty of water and spend lots of time in the shade!