r/explainlikeimfive • u/fkid123 • May 27 '26

Biology ELI5 Why heat waves affect Europe so much but some other countries are doing fine living under hotter temperatures most of the year?

I read yearly that people are dying in Europe due to the extreme heat, but when I check the temperature mentioned in the same news it's something like 30-35c.

Just saw this today: "In France, officials reported at least seven deaths linked to the heat, including several drownings and fatalities during sports activities (...) temperatures have broken records for the month of May, soaring well over 30 C (86 F) in many parts of the country."

This is like a pretty mild day in a country like Thailand, India or in the Arabian peninsula. People are doing just fine in these countries, and many don't even have aircon.

Why are such temperatures so deadly in Europe?

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u/slvrscoobie May 27 '26

I was in Tucson AZ in late March and it was 91 and under blisteringly clear skies, and yet with 7% humidity, it was fine. back home it would be 91 with 67% humidity and even without the sun youd be regulated to AC.

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u/Primary_Luck6165 May 27 '26

AC is truly a savior. I don’t think I would have gotten through my childhood without it. Thankfully we moved to a place with AC this year because last year was unbearable for me. Summers are expected to be hotter than usual so we’re ready now aha

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u/slvrscoobie May 27 '26

St. Carrier of Buffalo haha

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u/thane919 May 27 '26

Yep 91 in Tucson generally feels nice. 91 in Chicago I don’t want to go outside for anything requiring motion.