People really underestimate how environment and infrastructure can matter when it comes to heat/cooling.
I'm a Michigander, and in my lifetime (I'm 33) our summers have changed from bearable without A/C (Temps topping out around 85-90 with 70% humidity for a day or two) to requiring it (weeks over 90 with high humidity). A major compounding factor is that almost none of our homes are designed for cooling. Tons of the houses don't have A/C, and in my case, our building is built out of solid brick and is insulated. The floor is all warm carpet. Air flow is non-existent. Once it heats up, it doesn't cool back down and it's unbearable.
That's pretty similar to here in south-east England, in particular with "new build" houses (anything built in the last 20 years, of which there are lots).
I never saw A/C in the UK when I was younger, and in the last 5 years, I can point out a good dozen houses within walking distance of my house that has had units added. We're going to be one of those shortly.
I'm a Michigander, and in my lifetime (I'm 33) our summers have changed from bearable without A/C (Temps topping out around 85-90 with 70% humidity for a day or two) to requiring it (weeks over 90 with high humidity). A major compounding factor is that almost none of our homes are designed for cooling. Tons of the houses don't have A/C, and in my case, our building is built out of solid brick and is insulated. The floor is all warm carpet. Air flow is non-existent. Once it heats up, it doesn't cool back down and it's unbearable.