10 Steps British People Go Through When It’s 20 Degrees

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10 Steps British People Go Through When It’s 20 Degrees

In Britain, when the temperature climbs to 20 degrees Celsius, it might as well be a national event. This seemingly mild temperature can trigger a series of very British responses, from joy and celebration of the rare sunshine to complaints about it being just too hot. The nation known for its cool, rainy weather suddenly transforms, and these changes in behavior highlight the cultural quirks and humorous contradictions of the British people when it comes to weather. Here’s a light-hearted look at the 10 typical steps Brits go through when the weather hits 20 degrees.

1. Instantly declaring “it’s actually hot”

When the thermometer hits 20 degrees in Britain, one of the first reactions is to exclaim, “it’s actually hot!” This often comes as a bit of a surprise, even if the forecast has been promising warmer weather. This is the cue for everyone to start shedding layers and basking in the rare warmth. The sudden shift in temperature feels more intense due to the generally cooler British climate, making 20 degrees feel like a mini heatwave. This declaration is almost a communal signal that it’s acceptable to switch to summer mode, even if just for a day.

2. Debating whether to wear shorts and a jumper, just in case

The British weather is known for being unpredictable. Thus, deciding what to wear when it’s 20 degrees can be a bit of a puzzle. Shorts seem appropriate because it’s warm, but a jumper might also be necessary just in case the weather decides to turn chilly. This wardrobe debate is typical in British households, balancing optimism for a warm day with the practical need to be prepared for any temperature drops, especially in the evenings or in shaded areas.

3. Opening every window in the house—even the one that barely opens

As soon as it feels like summer, every window in the house gets flung open. This includes the stiff one that barely budges but is now desperately pried open to let in every possible bit of the breeze. This act of airing out the house not only cools down the indoor spaces but also seems to breathe new life into the home, filling it with the fresh, albeit rare, warm air and the sounds of outside, like birds chirping or kids playing.

4. Saying “might be the only summer we get”

There’s a common joke or perhaps a resigned acceptance in Britain that any spell of good weather could abruptly end and might just be the only bit of “summer” seen all season. This phrase reflects a mix of cynicism and humor about the unpredictability of British weather. It underscores a ‘make the most of it’ attitude, encouraging everyone to enjoy the outdoors while they can before the usual cooler, rainier weather resumes.

5. Buying BBQ food and hoping for the best

The minute the sun shows its face, Brits are optimistic about firing up the barbecue. Supermarkets see a surge in sales of BBQ meats, sausages, burgers, and all the accompaniments. There’s always a hopeful undertone—crossing fingers that the rain won’t put a damper on the grilling plans. This optimism fuels spontaneous gatherings and the delightful smells of outdoor cooking that epitomize British summertime.

6. Forgetting suncream because “it’s not that sunny”

Even at 20 degrees, the sun can be deceiving in Britain. Many people forget or skip suncream, brushing off the need because “it’s not that sunny.” This often leads to unexpected sunburns. This oversight is a blend of underestimating the sun’s strength and an infrequent need for sun protection, making it a common regret after a day spent outdoors during one of Britain’s sporadic sunny spells.

7. Complaining it’s “a bit much” by 3pm

After a few hours of enjoying the warmth, the tone often shifts to finding the heat “a bit much.” This could be during a commute, a lunch break outside, or in non-air-conditioned offices. The initial excitement about the warmth gives way to the discomfort of being too hot, leading to widespread grumbling about the heat, reflecting the love-hate relationship Brits have with hot weather.

8. Attempting to sleep with the fan on and one leg out of the duvet

Nighttime during a British heatwave involves a strategic setup to stay cool. With most homes lacking air conditioning, the solution often involves a fan and the awkward but effective method of sleeping with one leg outside the duvet. This method aims to balance the need for comfort with the unusual warmth, providing just enough coolness to allow for sleep without fully abandoning the coziness of a blanket.

9. Posting a temperature screenshot on Instagram

When the temperature hits 20 degrees, it’s almost a ritual to take a screenshot of the weather app and post it on Instagram. This post is usually accompanied by a comment about the heat or a sun emoji. It’s a way of documenting and sharing the rare occurrence of warm weather, partaking in a collective celebration of the sun, and sometimes, a bit of bragging to friends who live in cooler parts.

10. Immediately regretting ever wishing for summer

After the initial joy and novelty of warm weather wear off, there’s often a quick reversal in sentiment, with many wondering why they ever wished for summer. The discomfort from the heat, the struggle to sleep, and perhaps the consequences of forgetting sunscreen contribute to this regret. This feeling is particularly poignant toward the evening or when the weather persists for a few days, highlighting the complex and often contradictory feelings Brits have towards hot weather.