Why Europe is worried about 43°C when India sees over 48°C? Man asks about difference? Internet explains

Every summer, temperatures crossing 40°C make headlines in different parts of the world. But the number on the thermometer does not always tell the whole story. Factors such as humidity, housing, daylight hours, local infrastructure and what people are used to can all change how extreme the heat feels. As Europe experiences an intense heatwave with temperatures climbing past 40°C in several countries, a social media post comparing Europe's weather with India's has sparked a debate online.

The discussion began after Umed Pratap Singh shared a post on X asking, "Is 43°C in Europe different than 43°C in India? What's so rona dhona about? Here, temperature even touches 48°C."

The post quickly went viral, with users from different countries offering explanations on why the same temperature can feel much harsher in Europe than it does in many parts of India.

Netizens say it is more than just the temperature

Several users said the biggest reason is that people in Europe are simply not used to such prolonged heat.

One user wrote, "I think it's more about geography and acclimatisation. India lies closer to the Equator, while most of Europe is at higher latitudes. Temperatures of 40–42°C are relatively more common in many parts of India, whereas they're far less common in Europe. So this rona-dhona."

Another one echoed the same thought, saying, "It’s about conditioning. A person from Russia living in extreme winters finds the winters of Himachal very mild and roams around in a vest and shorts. Similarly, we are used to living in harsh summers, and Europeans aren’t."

Another user summed it up by writing, "Bhai, we've all gotten used to the tempering, haven't we? Theirs is new, though."

Homes built for winter make the heat worse

A common explanation across the replies was that homes in Europe are designed to keep warmth inside during long winters, making them uncomfortable during heatwaves.

One person wrote, "European houses are designed to keep heat in with heavy insulation. So a standard 43°C hits higher indoors and their bodies are used to such heat, just as an average Indian is not used to basic -10°C in the winters."

Someone added, "Homes are made for cold weather, the sun is there from morning 6 to evening 10 pm, plus no fans or air conditioning makes it worse, that’s why it feels hot compared to India."

Shared his own experience, one user wrote, "Even 28 degrees in London felt hotter than 45 degrees in Hyderabad. No fans, no AC, windows open 4 inches, walls built of materials made to retain heat due to the cold. Plus the added daylight (with sunlight from 5 am to 10 pm in summer) and it feels way hotter."

Humidity, longer days and cooling systems also came up

Many users pointed to humidity, sunlight and access to cooling systems as other important factors.

Why experts say Europe's heatwave is a serious concern

The discussion online also reflects what climate experts have been saying. According to the European Climate Risk Assessment, heatwaves already pose a major health risk across southern Europe, with southern and western-central parts of the continent expected to face an even greater threat from heat-related illness and deaths in the coming years.

Experts say the danger comes not only from high temperatures but also from humidity, which makes it harder for sweat to evaporate and cool the body. Young children and older adults are among those most vulnerable during extreme heat events.

Europe has also been experiencing record-breaking temperatures earlier than usual this summer. France, Spain, Germany, the United Kingdom and several other countries have recorded exceptionally high June temperatures, with scientists warning that climate change is making such heatwaves more frequent and more intense.