@ai6yr Not when the outside temp is 0-5C and the humidity is 99%.
The combination of just above freezing temps and high humidity is the worst. It feels as if the wind goes straight through to your bones. That's UK weather at least 6 months/year.
Keep in mind that a lot of housing in the UK is old, i.e. damp and drafty.
IIRC there are studies showing that air quality declines at lower temperatures, especially in a humid climate, with corresponding health impacts. So that could be one lower temps in California are fine, but can cause problems in England.
@me_valentijn@ai6yr Yes, the high humidity is the problem. Water in the air transmits energy, which means heat loss from human skin. It's particularly bad between 0 and 5C. Add wind to the equation and you're thoroughly miserable.
People from arid climates think that the lower the temperature, the colder it will feel. But at temperatures below freezing the moisture in the air freezes and falls to the ground. Low humidity -> low heat loss.
@ai6yr The cold thickens your blood ?! — I mean it’s an official source so I’m guessing I shouldn’t dismiss it out of hand, but humans are endothermic and maintain a stable internal body temperature unless things go way wrong, regardless the outside temps.
"Both the acute and seasonal effects of cold and added with exercise may contribute to the higher morbidity and mortality of those with cardiovascular diseases. Yet, more controlled studies for understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms behind the adverse cold-related health effects are warranted."
@ai6yr Yes, it's why there's a winter heating allowance for pensioners in the UK.
Every year seniors die because they can't afford to heat their homes. Typically they die from a blood clot reaching the heart.
There's a lot of substandard housing in the UK, particularly in rural areas. Little old stone cottages may look cute on postcards but they're very expensive to heat.
@ai6yr Just saw an episode about this watching "Still Game" this weekend. Among other shocks was learning that the episode, featuring Scottish pensioners betting on who was going to die of hypothermia in their flat, was filmed in 2006!!
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