These Americans reacting to UK heatwaves are the only thing making this sticky weather bearable

The UK is currently on what feels like day 1,000 of a crippling heatwave, and as temperatures rise to as much as 32 degrees in some areas, Americans and Brits are once again beefing about the heat.

It must be summertime because publications across the UK are publishing articles about our little island being hotter than Ibiza, Barcelona, and so on. Naturally, this pushes Americans to come out of the woodwork and seemingly forget that our two countries operate on different temperature scales. Nonetheless, I can’t stop watching TikTok’s of Americans truly experiencing what we complain about year on year.

Americans have been sharing their reactions to UK heat – but is it really that different?

Heatwave! 🥵

Temperatures will exceed 30°C for 4 days from Thursday with the warmest period of the summer so far.

Get the sun lotion & fans out! pic.twitter.com/j3L2Fs8erg

— Met4Cast (@Met4CastUK) June 18, 2025

Each year, as summer rolls around and we Brits get more and more irritated when not rooted in some overly sticky local pub garden, you often hear phrases like “UK heat is just different” compared to other places in the world, namely America and mainland Europe. But how much of that is actually true?

“The level of humidity can be higher in the UK than in continental Europe. If humidity is high, it is harder for the human body to keep cool as your sweat doesn’t evaporate as quickly,” a spokesperson for the Met Office told MyLondon. “This is made worse given that we are experiencing more ‘tropical nights’ – nights where the temperature doesn’t go below 20C, meaning we get no respite from the heat and time for our body to recover.”

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There are also other factors to consider, specifically, how buildings in the UK are not designed for heatwaves. They are literally built to keep heat trapped inside, and without the added benefit of air conditioning units places such as America take for granted, we’re all left sweating and angry. So, yes, the short answer is that UK heat is a different breed. You’re not crazy, at least not when it comes to the heatwave.

I can’t make you cooler, but watching these Americans lose their minds will definitely help.

This woman felt the need to apologise after doubting us

@ally.rose.p

It’s so hot #americanintheuk #americanabroad #americaisthebadplace

♬ original sound – Ally | American in England

On behalf of all Brits, apology not accepted.

‘It’s just misery, everywhere’

@kalanighosthunter

I doubted you guys…. but I was wrong

♬ original sound – KGH (Kalani Ghost Hunter)

SEE! We weren’t making it up.

Another one from the same guy

@kalanighosthunter

British summer feels like I’m melting

♬ original sound – KGH (Kalani Ghost Hunter)

“I have determined that the British didn’t take over the entire world for spices, they did it to get away from the f*cking heat,” he said.

The ice might help… for about three seconds

@redbusruss

Summer in the UK is no joke 🥵 #summer #americanintheuk #british #unitedkingdom #uk #england #london #travel #culture #expat #vlog

♬ original sound – Red Bus Russ 🇺🇸🇬🇧

“I feel like I’m in a sauna,” this man said. “This is what it feels like to be a shirt being ironed.”

Her girlfriend called it fake news, and now she’s suffering

@adele_regan

The sun really does hit different here! #usa #uk #heat #sunburn #seaside #beach #unitedkingdom #england #sunshine #lgbt #queer #pride @RealEXWifeofaPastor

♬ Just A Girl – No Doubt

Is it cruel to say Americans in heatwave pain is making me feel better?

No tips for you, sorry

@mortonsmunchies

🇬🇧 This Heat & no Air Conditioning 🥵 the past summers we left the country during the heatwaves so this is my first official hot summer here in the UK #mortonsmunchies #airconditioner #heatwave #advice #fyp #americanlivingintheuk

♬ original sound – Morton’s Munchies

The only scientifically proven way to cope is through complaining.

That fan is just blowing hot air at you

@cecedillon

it is unfortunately way worse than the heat where i am from im melting #americanabroad #americanintheuk #london #londonweather #londonheatwave #weathertok #britishculture

♬ original sound – VPB

I’m not falling for the handheld fan propaganda – they just don’t work!

It’s not just Americans either

@zarishnomanvlogs

#summertime #sunnyday #summerheat #ukweather #ukheatwave #lifeinuk #livingabroad

♬ original sound – jamie-G

Turns out the UK’s infamous heat is internationally renowned.

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Featured image credit: TikTok