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Metro
2 hours ago
- Health
- Metro
Feeling impulsive? This is how the warm weather is affecting your brain
The UK is melting, with heatwave highs of 33°C temperatures predicted by Saturday. Yes, we know that other countries have greater burdens to bear, but the hot weather 'hits different' here, with Met Office spokesperson Stephen Dixon telling Metro: 'Meteorologically, the UK air tends to be more humid compared to that in continental Europe. High humidity can make it harder for sweat to evaporate, which is how we naturally cool ourselves down.' The impact? Your body – and crucially, your brain – is under greater strain, leading to everything from sluggishness to poor impluse control. 'The temperature that the body needs to stay within is an unbelievably narrow window,' consultant neurologist, Dr Steve Allder, tells Metro. 'If your temperature rises from 37C to 41C there's a very good chance that it would kill you. Similarly, if it dropped from 37C to 33C, you would really start to struggle. 'The body really has to work hard to keep our temperature in a tight range, especially in hot weather, and that then takes energy away from the brain.' A&E doctor, Dr Mark Cox tells Metro: 'When you're hot, your body is in a constant state of thermoregulation (keeping your temperature stable). 'This burns energy and diverts blood flow toward the skin to release heat, which means less energy and oxygen get to your brain.' 'You'll notice it in things like memory lapses, poor concentration and slower decision-making,' Dr Mark says. And while we all might find ourselves getting a bit, well, aggy, in hot weather, Dr Mark says that's to do with your brain too. Dr Sameer Sanghvi, GP at Lloyds Pharmacy Online Doctor, warns that hot weather can be particularly dangerous for people taking antidepressants. He explains: 'Common antidepressants can all stop the temperature-regulating area of the brain from functioning as it should. Serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors(SNRIS) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIS) are some of the most commonly prescribed antidepressants.' If you are prescribed these antidepressants, Dr Sanghvi warns not to suddenly stop taking them. 'You should always consult your doctor before making changes to your mental health medication,' he adds. 'The best thing you can do is take precautions to stay cool: stick to the shade; drink plenty of fluids and avoid alcohol.' 'Heat can amplify reactivity in the brain's emotion centre, the amygdala, and reduce the calming influence of the parasympathetic nervous system,' says Dr Mark, co-founder of Orli Health. More Trending 'That makes people more prone to irritability, impulsiveness and even aggression.' For those with existing neurological conditions, warm weather can cause these symptoms to worsen. Dr Steve, who works at Re: Cognition, says that those with multiple sclerosis, for example, 'will have far less resilience' to cope with temperature changes. He adds: 'This is also true for something like migraines. People find that they get more migraines when it gets hot.' If your body can't cool itself down, you risk developing heat exhaustion, which could progress to heat stroke if left untreated, a life-threatening condition. Dr Allder says that those doing prolonged exercise in the sun should be careful of developing heat stroke, especially if they're not taking in enough fluids. He adds: 'Make sure to stop if you feel lightheaded or woozy.' To protect yourself from the temperature changes, Dr Allder advises avoiding the sun, hydrating and resting. Most adults should aim to drink at least six to eight glasses a day (around 1.5-2 litres), but Dr Allder advises getting an extra 500ml to 1 litre per day. According to the NHS, the signs of heat exhaustion include: Weakness Tiredness Dizziness Headache Feeling sick or being sick Excessive sweating and skin becoming pale and clammy, or getting a rash Cramps in the arms, legs and stomach Fast breathing or heartbeat A high temperature Being very thirsty If someone is showing signs of heat exhaustion, they need to be cooled won and given fluids, the NHS website says. Heat exhaustion does not usually need medical help if you can cool down within 30 minutes. However, if it turns into heatstroke, it needs to be treated as an emergency. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ View More » MORE: Wildfire warning issued for London after city reaches 32°C MORE: Teen struck by lightning at famed park as freak thunderstorm hit New York City MORE: London's best lidos, ponds and outdoor pools to beat the heatwave Your free newsletter guide to the best London has on offer, from drinks deals to restaurant reviews.
Metro
20 hours ago
- Climate
- Metro
Why does 30 degrees in the UK feel like it 'hits different'
People in the UK love to complain about the weather and this could be justified after much of the UK is predicted to enter a heatwave. A hot weather health warning covering all of England has also been upgraded to amber ahead of 33°C temperatures predicted on Saturday. The UK Health Security Agency has warned that a rise in deaths is likely 'particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions'. While the UK has been gripped by hot temperatures this week, Americans across social media have been posting about how 30°C feels hotter in the UK compared to being abroad. A TikTok user called redbusruss said: 'I am never doubting a Brit again when they tell me that the UK sun hits different. I feel like I'm in a sauna.' Another on TikTok called kalanighosthunter posted a video of himself putting his face in a freezer and joked that Britain conquered the world to escape the heat. 'I always thought British people were lying when they said how hot it is over here but for some reason it just feels like you are melting,' kalanighosthunter also said on his TikTok account. An American who has spent three summers in the UK with the TikTok username mortonsmunchies said: 'How are we surviving this heat? I'm not used to the heat and not having air conditioning.' So why does the UK feel hotter than other countries when temperatures get like this? We take a look below. Quite rightly, people are wondering why the temperatures always feel sweltering when it gets to this time of the year. Met Office spokesperson Stephen Dixon has a few answers and told Metro: 'Meteorologically, the UK air tends to be more humid compared to that in continental Europe. 'High humidity can make it harder for sweat to evaporate, which is how we naturally cool ourselves down.' Another reason behind why we are all feeling so hot right now is the way in which our houses are built. 'Houses in Europe are often more adapted to higher temperatures, allowing those inside to stay cool,' Stephen explained. 'While many in the UK need well insulated homes for those cold winter months, which means they naturally retain heat.' If going outside between the hours of 11am and 3pm, avoid the heat where possible, seek shade, apply sunscreen, wear a hat and light clothing. To stay cool, eat cold meals and drink beverages but steer clear of alcohol, caffeine and warm drinks. Take a cool shower or apply cool water to your skin and clothing. To maintain a cool environment at home, shut windows during hotter hours and open them at night. Use electric fans when the temperature is below 35°C. Keep an eye on temperatures in rooms, especially those used by vulnerable individuals. Source: NHS The last factor is all down to people's mentality which is different to when they are abroad on holiday. More Trending Stephen added: 'When people from the UK go abroad, they're often well-prepared for heat. 'Many European countries have a routine (meal times) that are adapted to it being hot. 'The heat can sometimes feel worse in the UK simply down to not expecting it in the same way people do when they go abroad.' Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: London's best lidos, ponds and outdoor pools to beat the heatwave MORE: Does drinking alcohol in the sun really get you drunk faster? A doctor shares their verdict MORE: Doctor recommends surprising drink instead of water in a heatwave — and it's not tea
Sky News
01-05-2025
- Climate
- Sky News
UK weather latest: Highest temperature today confirmed - after May record broken
What does the forecast for the coming Bank Holiday weekend look like? Today was the hottest start to May on record with a peak of 28.2C recorded at Charlwood in Surrey. But temperatures are expected to ease by Friday and Saturday, with cooler conditions of 14C to 18C across the UK. Here's a more detailed breakdown of the weather in the coming days. Friday Some rain is expected in central areas but this should clear up by the morning. It will be sunnier across the UK, and cloudier in the afternoon. The sunny weather will, however, persist in Northern Ireland, some parts of western Scotland and northern England. Quite a bit of sun is expected in the east and southwest of England and some parts of the southeast. A peak of 24C is expected in the south and southeast of England. Saturday More clouds will be settling in across the UK but some sunshine will be seen in the west, in areas like Pembroke and Hereford, and central areas, such as Birmingham, are also set for yet more sunshine. Some areas of western and northern Scotland will also be sunny, while clouds are expected in Northern Ireland, although these are set to make way for more sunshine in the afternoon. Areas in eastern England are expected to clear up on Saturday afternoon, with sunshine expected around Hull, York, Sheffield, Darlington and Norwich. More sunshine is also forecast in the southwest. London may reach a high of 21C. Sunday The forecast is mainly cloudy in the UK on Sunday morning except for areas in Wales, western Scotland and Northern Ireland. The afternoon will see more sunshine in the southwest of England, including Devon and Cornwall, and in the north of Scotland. The southwest is expected to have the highest temperature at 17C on Sunday afternoon. Stephen Dixon, a Met Office spokesman, said on Thursday afternoon: "Temperatures tomorrow will be slightly reduced from what we've seen today, possibly 26 or 27 degrees in the far south-east of England through the day tomorrow." Monday The Bank Holiday is forecast to be mostly dry across the UK - as the Met Office forecast map below demonstrates. But temperatures will be way down and a lot more seasonal. In London, temperatures won't get much above 14C. For Edinburgh, a peak of 13C is forecast. In Cardiff, it's 14C, while for Belfast the highest temperature will likely be around the 12C mark. So while it might still be dry enough to get out and about, enjoy the weekend heat while it lasts.
Sky News
01-05-2025
- Climate
- Sky News
UK weather latest: Temperatures still climbing after May heat record broken - with high of 29.1C reached
What does the forecast for the coming Bank Holiday weekend look like? Today was the hottest start to May on record with a peak of 28.2C recorded at Charlwood in Surrey. But temperatures are expected to ease by Friday and Saturday, with cooler conditions of 14C to 18C across the UK. Here's a more detailed breakdown of the weather in the coming days. Friday Some rain is expected in central areas but this should clear up by the morning. It will be sunnier across the UK, and cloudier in the afternoon. The sunny weather will, however, persist in Northern Ireland, some parts of western Scotland and northern England. Quite a bit of sun is expected in the east and southwest of England and some parts of the southeast. A peak of 24C is expected in the south and southeast of England. Saturday More clouds will be settling in across the UK but some sunshine will be seen in the west, in areas like Pembroke and Hereford, and central areas, such as Birmingham, are also set for yet more sunshine. Some areas of western and northern Scotland will also be sunny, while clouds are expected in Northern Ireland, although these are set to make way for more sunshine in the afternoon. Areas in eastern England are expected to clear up on Saturday afternoon, with sunshine expected around Hull, York, Sheffield, Darlington and Norwich. More sunshine is also forecast in the southwest. London may reach a high of 21C. Sunday The forecast is mainly cloudy in the UK on Sunday morning except for areas in Wales, western Scotland and Northern Ireland. The afternoon will see more sunshine in the southwest of England, including Devon and Cornwall, and in the north of Scotland. The southwest is expected to have the highest temperature at 17C on Sunday afternoon. Stephen Dixon, a Met Office spokesman, said on Thursday afternoon: "Temperatures tomorrow will be slightly reduced from what we've seen today, possibly 26 or 27 degrees in the far south-east of England through the day tomorrow." Monday The Bank Holiday is forecast to be mostly dry across the UK - as the Met Office forecast map below demonstrates. But temperatures will be way down and a lot more seasonal. In London, temperatures won't get much above 14C. For Edinburgh, a peak of 13C is forecast. In Cardiff, it's 14C, while for Belfast the highest temperature will likely be around the 12C mark. So while it might still be dry enough to get out and about, enjoy the weekend heat while it lasts.
Sky News
01-05-2025
- Climate
- Sky News
UK weather: Warmest start to May on record - but will the hot spell continue?
The UK has seen its warmest start to May on record as temperatures soared to over 29C in the spring sunshine. The Met Office said 29.1C (84.3F) had been recorded in Chertsey, Surrey, passing the previous 1 May record of 27.4C (81.3F) set in Lossiemouth in 1990. Earlier in the day, the mercury reached 28.6C (83.4F) at Kew Gardens in southwest London and Wisley in Surrey. Thursday was also the warmest day of the year so far, beating the previous high of 26.7C (80F) reached in Wisley on Wednesday. But the heat is not expected to last, with cooler weather starting to drift in from the north on Friday. Temperatures are expected to ease by Friday and Saturday, meaning cooler conditions of 14C to 18C across the UK. Stephen Dixon, a Met Office spokesman, said: "Temperatures tomorrow will be slightly reduced from what we've seen today, possibly 26 or 27 degrees in the far southeast of England through the day tomorrow." What has led to the hot spell? Forecasters said the hot spell has been due to the jet stream remaining stuck north of the country, allowing high pressure to settle. Last month was also the sunniest April in the UK since records began in 1910, with 47% more sunshine hours than the long-term meteorological average, and the third warmest April on record, according to provisional Met Office figures. Rainfall was well below average for most of the UK last month, with just 56% of expected totals recorded. And Tyne and Wear had its second driest April on record, with only 7% of its usual rainfall. Scientists see fingerprints of climate change all over tumbling records Thomas Moore Science correspondent @SkyNewsThomas Britain has basked in the early taste of summer. The warmest May Day, the third warmest April and a spring that has so far beaten temperature records dating back to 1884. But this is more than just natural variation. Scientists see the fingerprints of climate change all over the tumbling records. Maps released by data analysts Climate Central show that across large parts of the country, human-induced climate change has made the high temperatures four or even five times more likely. The warm - and dry - weather this spring has led to a steep rise in wildfires. Figures from Europe's satellite monitoring service Copernicus show that more than twice as much land has been burned so far this year in the UK as the average for a whole year. Latest data shows 29,484 hectares (72,857 acres) have been scorched in 2025, compared to a yearly average of 12,613 hectares (31,167 acres) between 2012 and 2024. Temperatures will fall sharply into the Bank Holiday weekend. But the fire risk remains 'very high to extreme' across much of Scotland and 'very high' for large parts of England. The warmth that brings joy to many of us also brings jeopardy. Boy's body recovered from lake Meanwhile, the recovery of a 16-year-old boy's body from a lake in Nottingham prompted emergency services to warn about swimming in lakes and rivers. Chief Inspector David Mather, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: "I would like to take this opportunity to highlight this case as a reminder of the devastating consequences of entering open water - regardless of whether people do so deliberately or inadvertently." The London Fire Brigade said its crews responded to 565 water-related incidents last year and have already attended around 160 in the first quarter of this year, with incidents ranging from rescuing people to animals stranded on lakes and ponds. 'Water temperatures can be dangerously cold' Assistant commissioner for prevention and protection Craig Carter said. "Even when the sun is shining, water temperatures can be dangerously cold. Cold water shock can affect anyone, no matter how fit or experienced they are. It can lead to water inhalation, and, in the worst cases, drowning." The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) offered similar warnings, advising those planning to swim at a lifeguarded beach to swim between the red and yellow flags. Fire services warned that the warm weather means there is a "heightened" risk of grass and wildfires which can spread more easily during the dry spell, as firefighters have been battling what they described as a large wildfire in the Peak District. The RAC also cautioned drivers on the roads, with spokesman Rod Dennis saying breakdowns are expected to "soar", while the NHS reported searches for hay fever advice had doubled from Monday to Wednesday.
