There’s a new factor in recent years: urban heat islands. Cities like London are full of concrete, asphalt, and dark rooftops that absorb heat during the day and release it at night. That’s why a trip to the countryside can feel 5°C cooler. In the city, the heat bounces around like a pinball.
And because the UK’s housing stock is older and less insulated against heat (though great against cold), urban living becomes an endurance sport. Even the Tube—especially the Tube—feels like a descent into Hades. That’s not a metaphor.
Practical Tip: If you’re in a city, visit a park with mature trees. A single tree can evaporate up to 100 litres of water a day, cooling the area around it. It’s free air conditioning, provided by nature.
