Dr Amir Khan explains why UK heat 'feels different' to being on holiday

Dr Amir Khan explains why UK heat 'feels different' to being on holiday There is a specific reason why a lot of people cope better with the hot weather abroad With the UK baking in heat that has hit 40°C in parts, many people are bound to have heard (or said) something along the lines of the hot weather here being much more intense than what they experience on holiday. And, a doctor has confirmed that it's not just in your head. ITV regular Dr Amir Khan is known for his appearances on Lorraine and Good Morning Britain, where he shares expert opinions on health topics. He has recently taken to Instagram to answer this burning question about how Brits are struggling to cope in the recent heatwave. He said: "Have you ever wondered why 28°C in Spain feels amazing, but 28°C in Britain feels like you're slowly being cooked inside a Greggs oven? Well, every summer, British people say the same thing." For those who feel fine sitting in 30°C heat on holiday, the main reason behind that is psychological. Dr Khan said: "When you're on holiday, you're usually wearing shorts, a bathing costume, sitting by a pool, sipping something cold, and your biggest decision is whether to have another ice cream or a dip in the pool. "But, when you're stuck at work, you're wearing office clothes, trying to answer emails and pretending your face isn't melting during a team's meeting. So the temperature might be the same, but your stress levels are not." And, beyond our minds, our buildings aren't designed for this. Most British buildings are designed to keep heat in, which helps during the usually bitter winter months, but can be a curse during the summers that seem to be getting hotter year after year. Dr Khan said: "Our homes are insulated, our offices don't have air conditioning, and once the heat gets in, it can feel like you're living inside of a baked potato with foil on. Meanwhile, many hot countries are designed to stay cool with shutters, thick walls and air conditioning everywhere." Beyond where we spend most of the time during a UK heatwave, Dr Khan claims the UK simply "isn't adapted" to the heat. He said: "Countries that regularly experience hot weather have lifestyles built around it. People avoid the midday sun, shops may close during the hottest part of the day and daily routines are designed around the heat. "People generally come out in the evenings. In Britain, we carry on exactly as normal, then act surprised when we're sweating on a packed Tube. So no, you're not imagining it. Holiday heat and work heat are two completely different 'medical conditions'." When will the weather start to cool down? The Met Office has extended an amber warning through to 9pm on Saturday, June 27, as temperatures are expected to continue climbing beyond previous record-breaking highs. The heatwave is being driven by a "heat-dome" that has settled over western Europe, bringing extreme conditions right across the continent. The sweltering heat is set to persist in certain parts of the country well into the weekend. However, relief is on the horizon, as the muggy days and nights are expected to subside over the weekend, with cooler conditions predicted from Sunday onwards.