Is it not as hot in the UK anymore? Debate is raging on social media after some users said they need extra layers during the day as a scientist shed more light on the situation
Despite relentless record-breaking temperatures and what feels like no respite at all, some ‘chilly’ Brits are saying they don’t feel anywhere as hot as when the heatwave started.
As some people claim they are even starting to feel cold despite the mercury remaining high, scientists have explained the reasons why. Experts say that following weeks of sustained heat, the bodies of many have started adapting to cope with some claiming they hardly notice the blazing heat.
Social media users have sparked a debate with some saying they need extra layers of clothing in the middle of the day after they started to feel cold this week. One TikToker found out they weren’t alone when they asked: “Is it just me, or is 24, 25, and 26°C starting to feel a bit chilly? I left the house in my trousers and jacket today. Why am I feeling cold?”
Another posted on the platform: “Alexa told me its highs of 29c today I immediately thought ah that will be nice its cool today. Got a bbq Saturday, it’s gonna be 25 and I’m wondering if they’re gonna call it off.”
Dr Alex Lloyd, a Senior Lecturer in human Factors & Environmental Physiology at Loughborough University, explained why and said it takes just two weeks for our bodies to get used to the searing heat.
“Heat acclimatisation is a well–established physiological process by which the body “learns” to better tolerate high temperatures through repeated exposure,” he told MailOnline.
“After a week or more away from heat, some of the adaptation can start to fade, so people may need to acclimatise again.”
But the expert warned prolonged heat exposure can cause a range of health problems including heat exhaustion, muscle breakdown and heat stroke.
According to the Sports Science Institute, heat acclimatisation is the process of exposing the body to hot conditions over seven to 14 days to “induce physiological adaptations”.
They say changes, including increased blood plasma volume, an earlier onset of sweating, and a reduced heart rate, significantly lower cardiovascular strain. It also goes on to decrease body temperature, which in turn reduces the risk of heat-related illnesses
“Biological adaptations include integrated thermoregulatory, cardiovascular, fluid-electrolyte, metabolic and molecular responses,” they say.
The Met Office expects temperatures in the UK to start cooling off by the end of this week as the third heatwave of 2026 comes to an end.
Three scorching spells so far this year have brought record-busting temperatures, leading to an increase in fires and ill health effects for many. But thankfully, forecasters expect a reprieve soon.
Meteorologist Aidan McGivern explains that a shift in high pressure should mean that peak temperatures drop off on Saturday and Sunday.
“High pressure, by the end of this week, is drifting towards the north-west, and that’s going to allow something a little fresher to recirculate around the high pressure,” he said. “Still above average temperatures for many, but by the time we get to Sunday those temperature anomalies are reducing.
“So things are gradually cooling off for the rest of the week. It’s not going to be cold, neither is it going to be unsettled, but the high pressure is drifting into a position to allow something less hot to circulate around it.
“We’re talking by Saturday and Sunday, temperatures in the mid to high-20s rather than the low-30s.” He explained the highest temperatures this weekend are expected in Wales and the south-west, with the lowest coming in the east and north.