Heat, humidity and housing: why British heatwaves hit differently
The article attributes the unique discomfort of British heatwaves to high humidity levels, poor housing design (with homes retaining heat well but not cooling effectively), and the country's lack of widespread air conditioning, making such heat events particularly challenging compared to hotter but drier climates.
Background
- The UK's housing stock is the oldest and least heat-adapted in Europe. Most homes were built for retaining warmth (thick brick, single-glazed windows, poor ventilation), which makes them dangerously effective at trapping heat during summer.
- Unlike many countries with hot climates, the UK lacks widespread air conditioning — fewer than 5% of homes have it. Even basic heat-mitigation features like shutters, reflective roofs, or ceiling fans are rare.
- British heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change. The 2022 heatwave caused over 2,800 excess deaths, with indoor overheating a major factor.
- High humidity in the UK (an island nation) reduces the body's ability to cool itself through sweating, making the same air temperature feel more physically stressful than in drier climates.
- The UK's building regulations and housing policy have historically focused on insulation and heating efficiency, with no legal maximum indoor temperature standard for homes — unlike minimum heating requirements in winter.