A woman has explained why it often feels hotter in the UK than the temperature supplied by the Met Office. Find out why below:
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If you are from the UK, you will know about some of the record breaking temperatures the country has had this summer - with a temperature of 40.3°C being recorded in Coningsby, Lincolnshire, on 18 July, smashing the previous record for the UK's hottest temperature.
In a video recorded on 19 July at the height of the UK's heatwave last month, TikToker Ella Langdon (@ellalangdon) explained why it can actually feels hotter than the Met Office reports, especially in built-up areas.
The temperature for the Met Office is recorded in the shade, and it will obviously be hotter in the sun. When temperatures reached as high as 40°C in London last month, the Ella claimed in the sun it could have actually been around 48°C.
Meteorologist Luke Miall confirmed that the Met Office records temperatures in the shade, so it can feel hotter, especially in built-up areas.
He told i: “We record our temperatures in the shade as that’s the standard way of measuring air temperature.
“So our thermometers are 1.25m above grass. The reason for having it above grass is because grass does not absorb heat – which tarmac or concrete does.”
Many of the commenters on Ella's video bemoaned the record temperatures the UK was experiencing back in July when the video was posted.
"London is on fire in 1665. London is on fire in 2022," one comment read.
Another added: "And today UK was the same temperature as Death Valley. DEATH VALLEY."
However, a third user said they didn't think it was that hot, writing: "Is it just me or does it actually not feel as hot? I dunno I’m doing fine without a fan here lol, but yeah need still stay hydrated."
The whole of the United Kingdom has battled record-breaking temperatures for much of the summer. Wales also recorded its hottest temperature ever with the Met Office last month. On 18 July, Hawarden Airport, Flintshire, recorded a record 37.1°C.
Meanwhile, Scotland’s highest temperature was also recorded by the Met Office at 34.8°C in Charterhall on the Scottish borders the following day.
Last week, the UK was in the grip of a second heatwave, and after uncomfortable levels of heat for many, signs of rain showers over the next couple of days are welcome.
Parts of the UK, including Cornwall, have recently been issued with a hosepipe ban.
It is the county's first ban on hosepipes for 26 years, and last week the Environment Agency declared a drought in several parts of England.
Featured Image Credit: redbrickstock.com / Alamy Stock Photo / Iain Masterton / Alamy Stock Photo
Topics: Weather
