Average Summer Temperatures in the UK

July 3rd, 2015 by Airedale Cooling

Most of us in the UK look forward to those long hot summer days which seem to take so long to arrive. However, when they finally do, within a week we’re complaining about having to work in the heat.

Summer temperature averages are just that, averages

As one would expect, the highest average temperatures are found around the south and south west of England. With the body heat from millions of people, cars, industry, and commerce operating 24 hours a day, the big cities are invariably a few degrees warmer than rural areas. London’s summer temperature averages 22.3°C. Portsmouth and Brighton on the south coast average 22°C and 21°C respectively.

Cities in the Midlands are not that far behind. Coventry and Leeds top the poll with average summer temperatures of 21.6°C and 21°C, and Birmingham and Bradford average 20.6°C and 20.3°C respectively. And these are only averages. With British weather being what it is, there is always the possibility of big spikes through the summer, with temperatures rising to the mid/high 20’s, and higher. The highest ever recorded summer temperature in the UK is 38°C (101°F) in 2003, and that is a killer temperature unless people take precautions.

The temperature climbs in enclosed spaces

As we leave the cold winter months behind us, we start shedding those thick winter jumpers, blouses, cardigans, and jackets we’ve been wearing to the office or factory for the last few months. As the temperature climbs from its winter average of 8°C-11°C and creeps toward 15°c-18°C, those few degrees can make a big difference and we can finally start removing the extra layers as the weather feels warmer.

As the temperature continues its upward climb, the warm air from computer and office equipment, and industrial machinery we welcomed in the winter, helps push the office temperature ever higher. Soon, we’re beginning to throw open windows, and leave office doors open, in attempts to cool our working environment.

Beware the British temperature spikes

While Britain may not bask in continuous hot weather, we generally have enough periods of higher than average temperatures to make a difference to productivity. If 10-20 or more people have to work in an environment without any form of temperature control for relatively short periods, work output has been noticed to substantially decline. People become short tempered due to the heat, concentration diminishes, and we feel tired and become lethargic.

Improving the office environment

In these high temperature situations, adding additional water coolers for staff to fend off dehydration helps. Wearing as little as possible while still remaining decent, and turning off all machinery that is not in use may also help a bit. But that’s about it, a bit. Having adequate, properly serviced air conditioning, is the only real way to ensure staff remain happy, and continue to work in a happy and productive environment.

Furthermore, opening doors and windows only introduces extra hot air into an office you are trying to cool. If your office is on the ground floor, then noise and vehicle fumes also enter the room, all making things more difficult, and decreasing output. Keep the doors and windows shut, and turn up the air-con. The reward will be no drop in productivity, and staff looking forward to another day in the office, away from the heat wave they were so badly looking forward to a couple of months back.

Here at Airedale Cooling we supply and install modern air conditioning systems which are specially designed to save you money whilst generating a more pleasant working environment. Operating throughout Bradford, we provide specialist installations in a variety of commercial environments, including schools, shops and offices. So, if you are searching for first class air conditioning services in this area, don’t hesitate to contact our expert team today.