The government urges residents not to venture outside. Authorities warn against using public transport. Dozens of schools shut their doors, and hospitals cancel nonessential procedures. No, this is not an introduction to a dystopian novel. It’s Britons sweltering under scorching weather as record-breaking temperatures soar this week. The Met Office, the national meteorological service for the UK, has issued the first-ever red warning for exceptional heat because temperatures of 40 C (or 104 F) have been forecast for the very first time.
If you have always lived in hotter climates, you might be laughing at these numbers. We get it! But remember, we’re talking about a country that’s unaccustomed to such sizzling temperatures. Given how the UK is notorious for awful weather, there is always plenty of reaction from its citizens whenever they find themselves nearly melting from the heat.
So the nation did what it does best: laughed through the climate crisis with the help of funny memes and tweets. We at Bored Panda have gathered some hilariously British reactions that sum up this latest heatwave, so grab a cold drink, blast the AC, and scroll down to enjoy this list. Be sure to upvote the most relatable posts and let us know how you’re maintaining your sanity in this heatwave in the comment section below!
This post may include affiliate links.
Thank you for this. I feel like a social pariah for loving Winter and hating Summer.
Living in a country well known for its rainy climate, many Brits never even had to think about getting air conditioning or putting more effort into protecting their homes from the scorching heat. But right now, they’re struggling. The UK is set to see its hottest day on record, with temperatures on Tuesday expected to reach up to 42 C (107.6 F), the BBC reported. On Monday, Wales already broke temperatures for its hottest day on record with 37.1 C. A high of 38.1 C was reached in Suffolk, making it the hottest day of the year so far, but not the highest temperature ever recorded — just short of the UK record of 38.7 C, which happened only three years ago.
I think this is both beautiful and effective! I am in Australia and would like it if they had things like this!
The Met Office has released the first-ever red weather warning for the soaring temperatures covering much of central, northern, and southeast England. It stated that there will be "an exceptional hot spell on Monday and Tuesday leading to widespread impacts on people and infrastructure." Temperatures are expected to drop from Wednesday, but the meteorological service warned residents that since then, there is a potential risk of serious illness or even danger to life, so it’s advised to keep safe during the extreme summer heat.
I'm doing this for delivery drivers in the UK now, my grocery guy was blown away by a free cold bottle of water and the chance to refill his own bottle, I see American posts where people leave baskets out... never thought id be doing it in the UK.
The notice came after the UK Health Security Agency increased its heat-health warning from level three to level four — which constitutes a national emergency. "This is the first time we have issued a Red National Severe Weather Warning for extreme heat and the first time 40°C has been forecast in the UK. In this country, we’re used to treating a hot spell as a chance to go and play in the sun. This is not that sort of weather," Professor Penny Endersby, Chief Executive at the Met Office, said.
"We have seen when climate change has driven such unprecedented severe weather events around the world that it can be difficult for us to make the best decisions because nothing in our life experiences has led us to know what to expect," Endersby added.
We'll never stop climate change while the mega-rich continue to have their d**k measuring contest, by sending rockets into orbit. (Looking at you Musk and Bezos.) 👀
and for the love of God don't leave small children or dogs in a car, whilst you just pop into a shop ...please
I think this graph is showing the difference in temperature between the two periods, rather than the actual temperature itself, which is why some people think it's fake e.g. "how can Antartica be hotter than the equator?" It's not, but the temperature increase is higher than at the equator, which is definitely a possibility. Maybe I'm mistaken, but either way, the info in the graph could be clearer
The UK Health Security Agency shared a few tips about how to stay safe in the sizzling weather:
- look out for those who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated – older people, those with underlying conditions, and those who live alone are particularly at risk
- stay cool indoors by closing curtains on rooms that face the sun
- drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol
- never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children, or animals
- try to keep out of the sun between 11 AM to 3 PM, when the UV rays are strongest
- if you have to go out in the heat, walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat
- avoid physical exertion in the hottest parts of the day
- take care and make sure to follow local safety advice if you are going into the water to cool down
While there are a few different elements at play driving the ferocious heatwave across western Europe, a high-pressure system called the Azores High is to blame for the hot temperatures. Usually sitting off Spain, it grew larger and pushed to the north, bringing scorching weather to the UK, France, and the Iberian peninsula. As Brits endure what could be the hottest day in their nation’s history, the conversation inevitably turns to climate change.
we have high and low bird baths, hedgehog water bowls, big baths for washing in and little ones for drinking, our cats have fans and ice cubes and the curtains are closed and the conservatory is off limits its like a blast furnace in there
"We hoped we wouldn’t get to this situation but for the first time ever, we are forecasting greater than 40°C in the UK." Climate attribution scientist at the Met Office, Dr. Nikos Christidis, said. "In a recent study, we found that the likelihood of extremely hot days in the UK has been increasing and will continue to do so during the course of the century, with the most extreme temperatures expected to be observed in the southeast of England."
and there's me just thinking the 5 second rule was for noms dropped on the floor ...good advice thanks
Dr. Christidis pointed out that climate change has already influenced the likelihood of temperature extremes in the UK. "The chances of seeing 40°C days in the UK could be as much as 10 times more likely in the current climate than under a natural climate unaffected by human influence. The likelihood of exceeding 40°C anywhere in the UK in a given year has also been rapidly increasing, and, even with current pledges on emissions reductions, such extremes could be taking place every 15 years in the climate of 2100."
In the UK, the seven hottest days have come since 2000, revealing an alarming pattern that affects nearly every citizen’s life. According to Professor Hannah Cloke, a natural hazards researcher at the University of Reading, this heatwave and the new red-level warning is a "wake-up call about the climate emergency."
"We have had heatwaves in the UK before, but the intensity of heat that has been forecast, which will either break UK records or at least get very close, is enough to kill people and animals, damage property, and hobble the economy," she said in a statement shared by the university.
"Even as a climate scientist who studies this stuff, this is scary," Cloke added. "This feels real. At the start of the week, I was worried about my goldfish getting too hot. Now I'm worried about the survival of my family and my neighbors."
During our similar heat wave last summer (high of 108 F) all you had to turn on for a shower was the COLD water tap. The water was plenty warm from the ambient heat, almost hot even.
Unfortunately, the dangerous heat England is suffering right now is already becoming normal in southern Europe and is on a path to becoming more common in the UK as well. While residents are coming up with ways to deal with the current heat and sharing tips online, experts and scientists urge everyone to see the bigger picture and take action to prevent the climate crisis from spiraling even further. So, dear readers, what do you think about this situation? How are you keeping yourself from melting away in this scorching heatwave? If you have any thoughts or suggestions about ways to survive this current weather, be sure to tell us all about them right below! We’d love to hear how you’re coping.
90 Super-Mega-Corporations, most of the Energy Industry, produce about 70% of climate change pollution. The idea that you and I can't have plastic straws is a fable foisted on the world by a think-tank at BP in the 90's. Link: https://www.science.org/content/article/just-90-companies-are-blame-most-climate-change-carbon-accountant-says
Works for people too. Pinch the skin up on your forearm. It should return in a semi-hippotamus (as measured by the new banana metric system).
Tradition trumps common sense and compassion? In this heat, the queen’s guards should not be outside.
on casual Fridays its all of the above but swap the shoes for socks and sandals, maybe throw a cheeky knotted hanky on your head.
And everywhere in the U.K. Why is it hot in a place that's mostly cold? WHY?We don't like this weather. The weather needs to change. We want our cloudy and rainy days back.
Absolutely agree! No good burying your head in the sand, it will just bloody burn off.
As imagined by Salvador Dali: "The Persistence of Memory of small boats"
What are the requirements? And where do I sign up? 🌞😩🥵👻 (Actual images of me today. I couldn't find the melting emoji otherwise I would've used that as well)
According to this map, the only thing needed is for us to move to the blue area. Problem solved.
I mean the increase in storms, tornados, floods, etc are also a result of our planet being on fire (aka global warming)... So issue a health warning and do something about it (people's healths important too, cause a lot of people die from heat stroke)
I think it's currently cooler in Hell, than it is in the UK right now. 🤔
All thus advice is useful. But the biggest advice is change our lifestyles, stop abusing the planet or burn to death.
I was on the last flight from London Luton yesterday to Ireland because the runway melted. Weird take off. I'm much happier in the 18c in the west coast of Ireland
Brit here facing 38°/39° heat today. It is hell. My poor dog is going crazy because he hasn't been able to go on walks in days (he's a collie and those high exercise needs have never been more obvious). Airport runways have melted. The air is still and, when it's not, the breeze is warm. I'm lucky; I've finished school and can stay in the house all day. I can only feel great pity for the poor bastards who have to go outside and on buses/in trains/in cars. To my fellow heatwave suffers, please stay inside when possible (trust me, it IS cooler inside, even if it's not much) and remember to drink lots <3
I am sooo glad I took time off this week.The long walk/off leash times are in the early morning. Noon it's only 5 minutes to get all that water he drinks out of him. If your digs have trouble drinking try cucumber or ice cubes with some flavouring (I use Leberwurst).Indoor search games are great to keep working breeds occupied.
Load More Replies...Seems like the Brit infrastructure can only cope with one weather type: mild. When in the UK, in the summer I had a train cancelled because it was too hot. In autumn, because there were leaves on the line. In winter, because it was too cold. In Spring, ... Actually, the trains I got were fine in spring 😆
We don’t do anything that can be categorised outside of ‘normal’. We can’t even say that we struggle with extreme, these temperatures are far from extreme but we are way outside of our comfort zone right now. I’m sat in my very old house with 12”+ thick stone walls and it’s cool and calm, I shall be here observing the chaos and watching roads outside melt with a smug smile on my face, a/c? Pffff get herself a house built in 1700s 😀
Load More Replies...I find 40+ pretty is unpleasant, even if happens every year. Don't envy those poor buggers unaccustomed to 30 even.
I'm absolutely not accustomed to 30°C and less so to 40. We reached 40°C today for the first time since temperature recordings (this is in northern Germany). I'm glad I could stay inside all day and also that it's supposed to be much cooler tomorrow. No one here has AC in their homes, so we're all melting like wax.
Load More Replies...During last year's heatwave, the coldest place in my apartment was the sauna. It's furthest inside of the building, so it didn't heat up as quickly. It was off, of course.
How about we build a pipe from NZ to UK to swap air? We'll send 6° air in exchange for 40° from UK and average out at 23°.
Please send some to Germany, too. We hit 40°C here also. My feelgood temperature is around 18C, I gladly swap all air ant take your 6.
Load More Replies...So, I'm Italian. Live in the north east, very humid summers. In these past years, also very, very hot. 37°C today, and it is not the worst we've seen. I can't get accustomed to this, so I understand the English and Welsh. My question is: do you think/have knowledge of a "genetic resistance" to heat? Is it possible that my intolerance to heat is due to genetic/heritage traits?
Short answer, from an MD: Yes. Genes are linked to heat resistance in plants, humans, etc., and to tolerance of heat due to both genes and acclimation, usually doing the acclimation over time in lower/higher temps. For example, if you exercise 1 minute a day in excess heat today, and build up to 2 minutes in 2 days, 3 minutes in 4 days, etc., (Or cold.) However, I've lived in the US South 20-plus years and have not acclimated, no matter what, whereas my hubby never acclimated to the cold of my home region, so.... We may not all have the genetic ability to "shift" tolerance with exposure. ---- Signed, a medical doctor who still thinks 31*C is too hot, and is happiest around, oh, 3*C. Married to a guy who thinks 34*C is just fine, humidity is no issue, and gets too cold at 15*C.
Load More Replies...28° here in Scotland the heatwave isn't a UK thing it's a English/Welsh thing
Some tips to keep cool from AZ where we have had 116 F (46 C) for the past few weeks. Shade is your friend, take dishcloth and soak it. Use it on the back of your neck (just let it hang there if possible), lots of water, cool clothes like cotton and linen (anything loose and breathes), leave water out for birds, bugs, and animals, an ice block behind a fan, rinse your hands, face, neck, behind your ears, often. And stay indoors when possible.
The wet cloth in the neck is a good tip! Tested by me, already sweating at 25°C (77°F) 😄
Load More Replies...And in the building I live in, we have a resident CLOSING all the windows in the PUBLIC AREAS,... I have reported him to our Housing Officer as Anti-social behaviour. Not the first time.....
No, thats a good thing, I know your first instinct is to open all the windows but that just lets hot air in, we switched from every window and door open to keeping them all closed, the difference was remarkable, so much cooler. Keep your curtains closed too!
Load More Replies...Just remember that the prehistoric painted cave that's dozens of meters below sea level in the south of France, is in danger of disappearing due to sea level rise...
That's very sad but I somehow think the prospect of people dying from hunger and being turned refugees by millions because their countries become uninhabitable is a few levels sadder and maybe therefore worth mentioning before things (however historically valuable).
Load More Replies...37°C outdoors,26.5 indoors in Germany here. I am sitting on cooling blanket next to a fan and a wet cloth. Every lawn/gras is yellow and the trees wilting.I hate modern summers.
best you restart your nuclear reactors because cutting off putin and coal is necessary.
Load More Replies...And now you know why other cultures in the world demand ice or at least ice cold drinks. We are seeing 110F (43.3C) here today, our 16th day this summer over 100F.
I live in Fresno County Calif. USA where it's hot 9/12 months of the year, as in 104 F degrees all day and steady 90 degree weather at night . I recommend: holding cold water bottles behind your neck for some relief; use your umbrella when you're out and about; toilet seat covers that you typically find at public restrooms or at work are really good for wiping sweat off as they're absorbent; do all your laundry at night to avoid power outages; thick curtains are good for keeping the heat out; insulate your windows with weather stripping if you can. My husband and I just stay home, we've learned to do our shopping at night.
Totally! Places like the UK and Canada aren’t used to warmer weather. I’m in Canada and I work maintenance for my high school. We have to walk between the two campuses (elementary and secondary) multiple times a day and so much of the time I’m scared that I’m gonna burn in the 3-5 minute walk. Luckily the highest it’s supposed to get in the next week is about 28°C, but that still feels too hot for me
Pro tip, 1. get a hat (crotched or something purposed for winter) 2. Hold it under running water. 3. Put on hat and enjoy others unbelieving looks while they're from the heat and you don't even start to sweat because the evaporation of the water cools down your head. Yes it works with everything else you wear, but the closer you go to your body center the more your body wants to compensate the heat loss and weakens the cooling effect.
I wonder how many Brits are experiencing a severe case of Dave's Syndrome during this.
It's much hotter where I live but I absolutely understand even 30°C can be too much when you are used to 20°C. However... some of the advice I encounter on the internet from the people who are "new to heat waves" are just out of touch and they make me feel bad and subsequently angry. Yesterday I read on a social of a youtuber that you are should not take your dog outside when it's over 23°C because it is dangerous for them. B***h, the last time it was 23° where I live was like two months ago, at night. 🙄
Brit here facing 38°/39° heat today. It is hell. My poor dog is going crazy because he hasn't been able to go on walks in days (he's a collie and those high exercise needs have never been more obvious). Airport runways have melted. The air is still and, when it's not, the breeze is warm. I'm lucky; I've finished school and can stay in the house all day. I can only feel great pity for the poor bastards who have to go outside and on buses/in trains/in cars. To my fellow heatwave suffers, please stay inside when possible (trust me, it IS cooler inside, even if it's not much) and remember to drink lots <3
I am sooo glad I took time off this week.The long walk/off leash times are in the early morning. Noon it's only 5 minutes to get all that water he drinks out of him. If your digs have trouble drinking try cucumber or ice cubes with some flavouring (I use Leberwurst).Indoor search games are great to keep working breeds occupied.
Load More Replies...Seems like the Brit infrastructure can only cope with one weather type: mild. When in the UK, in the summer I had a train cancelled because it was too hot. In autumn, because there were leaves on the line. In winter, because it was too cold. In Spring, ... Actually, the trains I got were fine in spring 😆
We don’t do anything that can be categorised outside of ‘normal’. We can’t even say that we struggle with extreme, these temperatures are far from extreme but we are way outside of our comfort zone right now. I’m sat in my very old house with 12”+ thick stone walls and it’s cool and calm, I shall be here observing the chaos and watching roads outside melt with a smug smile on my face, a/c? Pffff get herself a house built in 1700s 😀
Load More Replies...I find 40+ pretty is unpleasant, even if happens every year. Don't envy those poor buggers unaccustomed to 30 even.
I'm absolutely not accustomed to 30°C and less so to 40. We reached 40°C today for the first time since temperature recordings (this is in northern Germany). I'm glad I could stay inside all day and also that it's supposed to be much cooler tomorrow. No one here has AC in their homes, so we're all melting like wax.
Load More Replies...During last year's heatwave, the coldest place in my apartment was the sauna. It's furthest inside of the building, so it didn't heat up as quickly. It was off, of course.
How about we build a pipe from NZ to UK to swap air? We'll send 6° air in exchange for 40° from UK and average out at 23°.
Please send some to Germany, too. We hit 40°C here also. My feelgood temperature is around 18C, I gladly swap all air ant take your 6.
Load More Replies...So, I'm Italian. Live in the north east, very humid summers. In these past years, also very, very hot. 37°C today, and it is not the worst we've seen. I can't get accustomed to this, so I understand the English and Welsh. My question is: do you think/have knowledge of a "genetic resistance" to heat? Is it possible that my intolerance to heat is due to genetic/heritage traits?
Short answer, from an MD: Yes. Genes are linked to heat resistance in plants, humans, etc., and to tolerance of heat due to both genes and acclimation, usually doing the acclimation over time in lower/higher temps. For example, if you exercise 1 minute a day in excess heat today, and build up to 2 minutes in 2 days, 3 minutes in 4 days, etc., (Or cold.) However, I've lived in the US South 20-plus years and have not acclimated, no matter what, whereas my hubby never acclimated to the cold of my home region, so.... We may not all have the genetic ability to "shift" tolerance with exposure. ---- Signed, a medical doctor who still thinks 31*C is too hot, and is happiest around, oh, 3*C. Married to a guy who thinks 34*C is just fine, humidity is no issue, and gets too cold at 15*C.
Load More Replies...28° here in Scotland the heatwave isn't a UK thing it's a English/Welsh thing
Some tips to keep cool from AZ where we have had 116 F (46 C) for the past few weeks. Shade is your friend, take dishcloth and soak it. Use it on the back of your neck (just let it hang there if possible), lots of water, cool clothes like cotton and linen (anything loose and breathes), leave water out for birds, bugs, and animals, an ice block behind a fan, rinse your hands, face, neck, behind your ears, often. And stay indoors when possible.
The wet cloth in the neck is a good tip! Tested by me, already sweating at 25°C (77°F) 😄
Load More Replies...And in the building I live in, we have a resident CLOSING all the windows in the PUBLIC AREAS,... I have reported him to our Housing Officer as Anti-social behaviour. Not the first time.....
No, thats a good thing, I know your first instinct is to open all the windows but that just lets hot air in, we switched from every window and door open to keeping them all closed, the difference was remarkable, so much cooler. Keep your curtains closed too!
Load More Replies...Just remember that the prehistoric painted cave that's dozens of meters below sea level in the south of France, is in danger of disappearing due to sea level rise...
That's very sad but I somehow think the prospect of people dying from hunger and being turned refugees by millions because their countries become uninhabitable is a few levels sadder and maybe therefore worth mentioning before things (however historically valuable).
Load More Replies...37°C outdoors,26.5 indoors in Germany here. I am sitting on cooling blanket next to a fan and a wet cloth. Every lawn/gras is yellow and the trees wilting.I hate modern summers.
best you restart your nuclear reactors because cutting off putin and coal is necessary.
Load More Replies...And now you know why other cultures in the world demand ice or at least ice cold drinks. We are seeing 110F (43.3C) here today, our 16th day this summer over 100F.
I live in Fresno County Calif. USA where it's hot 9/12 months of the year, as in 104 F degrees all day and steady 90 degree weather at night . I recommend: holding cold water bottles behind your neck for some relief; use your umbrella when you're out and about; toilet seat covers that you typically find at public restrooms or at work are really good for wiping sweat off as they're absorbent; do all your laundry at night to avoid power outages; thick curtains are good for keeping the heat out; insulate your windows with weather stripping if you can. My husband and I just stay home, we've learned to do our shopping at night.
Totally! Places like the UK and Canada aren’t used to warmer weather. I’m in Canada and I work maintenance for my high school. We have to walk between the two campuses (elementary and secondary) multiple times a day and so much of the time I’m scared that I’m gonna burn in the 3-5 minute walk. Luckily the highest it’s supposed to get in the next week is about 28°C, but that still feels too hot for me
Pro tip, 1. get a hat (crotched or something purposed for winter) 2. Hold it under running water. 3. Put on hat and enjoy others unbelieving looks while they're from the heat and you don't even start to sweat because the evaporation of the water cools down your head. Yes it works with everything else you wear, but the closer you go to your body center the more your body wants to compensate the heat loss and weakens the cooling effect.
I wonder how many Brits are experiencing a severe case of Dave's Syndrome during this.
It's much hotter where I live but I absolutely understand even 30°C can be too much when you are used to 20°C. However... some of the advice I encounter on the internet from the people who are "new to heat waves" are just out of touch and they make me feel bad and subsequently angry. Yesterday I read on a social of a youtuber that you are should not take your dog outside when it's over 23°C because it is dangerous for them. B***h, the last time it was 23° where I live was like two months ago, at night. 🙄