Extreme UK Heat Wave: How Las Vegas Compares
The extreme UK heat wave that has plagued both the United Kingdom and many parts of Europe is no joke. But how does it compare to the heat we experience here in Las Vegas? Reports are everywhere this month about record-breaking temperatures across the pond. According to USA Today, the U.K.’s weather office, called the Meteorological Office, reported this week a temperature of 40.2 degrees Celsius in London. That’s 104.4 degrees Fahrenheit. And observation sites across England have broken previous records for scorching temperatures. USA Today reported that, via the Met Office, an official heat warning has been issued in many parts of England and a less-extreme heat warning has been sent to parts of England, Wales and Southern Scotland.
Temperatures in other parts of Europe have soared to over 115 degrees, and wildfires have swept through parts of the continent. Nearly 750 heat-related deaths have also been reported as a result of this heatwave. While that is indeed something newsworthy, some of us who live in Las Vegas and aren’t strangers to extreme heat might be confused. Why is 104 degrees in England such a big deal? First of all, British homes were not designed for extreme heat. Most of them don’t have central air conditioning. As few as 5% of dwellings, in fact, possess such a luxury (NYTimes). The United States Census Bureau reported 2.2 million residents in Clark County in 2020. So if air conditioning was as much a luxury here as it is in the UK, just 110,000 of us would have central air.
The roads in the UK are also not built for extreme heat. The New York Post reported on Monday that Luton Airport in London had to shut down one of its runways due to buckling under the extreme heat. There have also been road closures for the same reason. The roads are essentially melting and not able to handle the weight of vehicles.
Another why the extreme UK heat wave trumps our Las Vegas summers. Humidity. The United Kingdom is comprised of islands surrounded by water. The humidity there, on average, is more than we ever see here in Las Vegas. According to currentresults.com, the UK’s average humidity is anywhere between the high 60s (percent) to the low 90s. No wonder people hate it so much when we say “but it’s a dry heat”. It really is, and considering what’s happening over there in Europe right now, we really shouldn’t take that for granted.
–Wendy Rush, 96.3KKLZ Las Vegas
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7 Hydrating Foods For The Vegas Summer Heat
Cucumber - 96% Water
Cucumber water is so popular, and at 96% water…it’s like we’re putting water in more water!
Tomatoes - 94% Water
Just one medium tomato gives you about half a cup of water!
Watermelon - 92% Water
Does that mean it’s only 8% melon?
Strawberries - 91% Water
Strawberries have so many health benefits in addition to being high in water content. And they’re so good…it almost feels like cheating.
Cantaloupe - 90% Water
And a ton of nutrients to boot!
Peaches - 89% Water
There are tons of antioxidants and fiber in peaches. Eat them with the skin on for even more benefit!
Skim Milk - 91% Water
Not only does skim milk provide all those good-for-you nutrients of milk but it keeps you hydrated as well! Try it after a workout for a better benefit than sports drinks! And speaking of dairy, cottage cheese and plain yogurt are also high in water content, at 80 and 88% respectively.
