The Met Office has explained the reason behind weather forecasts displaying two different temperatures for the same location and which one should be given more attention. Since the beginning of 2026, the UK has been preparing for cold temperatures with widespread snow and icy conditions across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Currently, there are six weather warnings in effect across the UK, with temperatures dropping below freezing and various winter weather threats expected throughout the week, as stated by Met Office Chief Meteorologist Matthew Lehnert. Multiple severe cold weather alerts have been issued, with potential updates anticipated in the coming days.
Television personality Scarlett Moffat recently sought clarification from her TikTok followers after being puzzled by a feature in her latest weather forecasts during the ongoing cold spell in the UK. She raised questions about the presence of two different temperatures simultaneously.
Moffat mentioned, “I’ve noticed recently on my weather app that it shows [the temperature as] 1°C but feels like -2°C. If it feels like that, then isn’t that the actual temperature? I don’t understand the concept of ‘feels like.’ Shouldn’t that just be the temperature then?”
Despite its informal name, the Met Office has previously elaborated on how the “feels like” temperature is calculated. This figure takes into account various factors such as wind and humidity, providing a more accurate representation of how the weather will be perceived outdoors.
According to a spokesperson, people should pay more attention to the “feels like” temperature as it offers a better indication of the actual outdoor conditions, considering elements like wind and humidity that can significantly impact how the temperature is experienced.
The Met Office calculates this secondary temperature by incorporating factors beyond standard thermometer readings, including relative humidity and wind strength at a certain height above the ground. By utilizing a specific formula, adjustments are made based on the perceived temperature effects of wind chill and heat index to provide a comprehensive understanding of the weather conditions.