Why Summer Feels Hotter in the UK Compared to India

Air Conditioning and Heat Perception

The perception of heat can be significantly influenced by the presence of air conditioning. In the United Kingdom, air conditioning is less common, making the heat feel more intense. In contrast, in India, where air conditioning is more prevalent, people can find respite from the heat more easily. This availability of cooling systems helps in mitigating the perception of extreme temperatures, making the heat more bearable.

Psychological factors also play a role in how heat is perceived. For instance, the contrast in temperature between the typical climate and a hot day can make it feel hotter. In the UK, where the climate is generally cooler, a sudden rise in temperature can feel more extreme compared to India, where higher temperatures are more common.

Clothing and Thermal Regulation

The type of clothing worn can significantly affect how heat is felt. In India, people often wear turbans, caps, and loose clothing that cover more of the body, which helps in thermal regulation. These garments are designed to keep the body cool by allowing air circulation and reflecting sunlight. In contrast, people in the UK tend to wear less clothing in hot weather, which might not be as effective in managing body temperature.

Moreover, clothing bought in the UK tends to be of thicker knit to trap heat, contributing to a feeling of increased warmth. This type of clothing, appropriate for colder months, can make people feel hotter during unexpected warm days.

Urban Planning and Heat Perception

Urban planning significantly affects heat perception. The UK has wide expanses of tarmac, lawns, and many cars with little tree cover, making the environment hotter. These surfaces absorb and radiate heat, contributing to the urban heat island effect. In contrast, Indian streets, with narrow lanes and lots of trees, feel cooler. Trees provide shade and help in cooling down the surroundings, making the heat more tolerable.

The lack of tree cover in suburban areas of the UK contributes to a hotter environment compared to the tree-lined streets in India. The presence of trees and vegetation plays a crucial role in regulating temperature and providing a cooler atmosphere.

Building Design and Heat Management

Building design in the UK is optimized for colder weather, lacking air conditioning and fixed fans, which makes it harder to cope with heat compared to buildings designed for warmer climates. UK houses are designed to trap heat during colder months, making them less effective in dissipating heat during the summer. This design flaw contributes to the discomfort experienced during hot days.

The greenhouse effect caused by large windows in UK houses traps heat indoors, making it feel hotter. In contrast, buildings in India are often designed to handle warmer climates, with features such as high ceilings, ventilation systems, and materials that reflect heat.

Humidity and Heat Perception

The UK has higher humidity levels than many parts of India, especially regions with a dry season. Higher humidity hampers the body's ability to cool through sweating, making it feel hotter. When the air is saturated with moisture, sweat does not evaporate as quickly, leading to a feeling of stickiness and increased heat.

Acclimatization also affects heat perception. People used to colder temperatures, like those in the UK, feel hotter when temperatures rise compared to those accustomed to warmer climates. This lack of acclimatization can make even moderately warm days feel unbearably hot.

Sun Exposure and Day Duration

The sun's angle and duration of exposure are different in the UK compared to India. In the UK, the sun stays longer in the sky at a lower angle, leading to prolonged direct sunlight exposure. This extended exposure can make the heat feel more intense.

The UK experiences longer summer days compared to India, leading to more prolonged exposure to sunlight. This extended period of daylight means that people are exposed to heat for a longer duration, contributing to the perception of increased warmth.

A combination of factors including air conditioning availability, clothing choices, urban planning, building design, humidity levels, sun exposure, and acclimatization all contribute to the perception that summer feels hotter in the UK compared to India. By understanding these factors, we can better manage and mitigate the effects of heat, making our environments more comfortable during the warmer months.