This is a second page of your comments on how to cope with the UK's heatwave.
I cope with the British heat wave by ignoring news reports of how warm it is.
Glenn Calderwood, UK Why are we such a nation of moaning minnies? We pay travel companies to fly us to the sun and when we get a few days of it for free we moan about it! Let's just enjoy the wonderful weather and save our moans for the inevitable grey skies that will follow.
Richard Cotton, London, UK
 |  Just remember to slow down, open the windows, and drink plenty of water  |
Now you guys know why people like me from the Southwest US like ice in our drinks in abundance. Try a little ice tea at teatime. Maybe throw a little beer in the icebox for once instead of drinking hot Guinness. Better yet, get out of the stuffy dress you guys always wear and go for something a little more breathable. Best thing yet, is a cold watermelon straight from the refrigerator. Now that is summer living. Just remember to slow down, open the windows, and drink plenty of water. At least you guys don't have to worry about wearing sunscreen. Forget to do that in Texas and you will end up burned to a crisp.
Tim Renfro, Texas, USA What heat? It's been cloudy on the Wirral for many days! What's all this about sunshine?
Bob McKenzie, UK
It's all right for those of us who live in air-conditioning to tell people in the UK to stop whinging, but the reality is that without air-conditioning I'd be whining louder than anyone.
Emma, US (ex-UK)
What all our Australian and US friends who are writing in fail to appreciate is that we live in the UK so that we don't have to put up with temperatures like this! I would no more move to Australia than I would to the Sahara and, no, I most certainly do not holiday in Spain.
John, UK
Air conditioning, just to add a slight chill to the dead, stifling air of Britain's now hot summers, would make a huge difference to the plight of millions who swelter each year. Given the annual toll of lost productivity and absenteeism due to unbearable heat at work, in department stores (except perhaps from what I recall from visiting Marks and Sparks), even modest air conditioning would likely make a big difference. Time to wake up Britain and deal with the heat - it has been getting hotter all the time over the past decade or more and its likely that 30C+ summer temperatures will be the norm for quite a while.
Phil Allsopp, Texas, USA
This type of weather is my idea of hell and anyone who actually likes it is welcome to my share. Oh how I can't wait for a cool 10 degrees with a light breeze. Roll on Autumn/Winter.
Gary Shaw, England One of the best and most refreshing ways of coping with the heat is to have a watermelon, especially the light green stripy ones from Cyprus. But don't stick them in the fridge - surprisingly they are more refreshing when left at room temperature. It makes a change from consuming vast quantities of liquid and can easily replace a meal! And to all these people who live in desert conditions, please don't say we're fussing about nothing - we're not used to it that's all. We're only human, it takes time to adjust.
Hope Full, UK
I moved form London to Houston Texas in 1979. We have 90+ degrees and 90+% humidity on a regular basis. Takes about 3 years to get used to it, so don't worry, you'll get there
roger bick, USA
I live in a city where summer temperatures can go to 45 and August temperatures to -35 in January. I too wonder how train tracks can distort in such weather. Sounds like British Rail making excuses to me.
Gerald Joyce, Chicago, USA
I'm from central Texas. Today the temperature reached 41 C. That may sound hot, but it's normal for this time of year. My advice for steamy Brits: stay indoors. If you must go out, drink plenty of water (not sports drinks), and reapply sunscreen often. Above all do NOT leave children or pets in a parked car, even for a few minutes, even if you leave the windows down! The temperature in a parked car can reach 150 degrees (F) in only 15 minutes on a hot day. Be careful! Stay cool!
Tiffany, USA
| It will probably be all we will get until next year |
Oh do come on! All I have read is Brits whinging about the heat and Aussies sniping at the Brits. Get real - this isnt going to last - stop bickering and make the most of the next week - it will probably be all we will get until next year
Shelley, UK Roll on winter, when I can take the children for long, quiet walks on deserted beaches, or through stark woodland. The heat makes me grumpy, makes my skin flare up, and stops me from sleeping at night...yes, I moan when it's hot, but you won't hear a peep out of me come autumn/winter!
JB, UK
I am currently serving with the British Army in Basra and the temperature at night is hotter than it is during the day in the UK! During the day it tops 158F and the wind is like standing in a jet engine - oh for some good old British weather!
S, Iraq
| It's just weather - get used to it |
A few days of hot weather, and the media is full of global warming scare stories - forgetting how cold it was in January, that people froze to death in Russia and China just a few months ago, and that there was snow in Moscow in early July. It's just weather - get used to it.
Peter H, UK It's not the heat; it's the lack of air!! Especially here in London. This country is just not equipped for weather like this, there's no air conditioning in public places, nothing. I would like some of these overseas posters to go on the Northern line in these temperatures, and then say something!!
Amanda, In London, but staying away from the Underground
The weather this year has been like a fairytale - just like it should be. Lots of thick, fluffy snow in the winter, a gorgeous crisp spring, and a fantastically hot, sunny summer. I feel like a child again - if this is global warming, I love it!
Laura, UK
I've been working in a computer room all week. It's too cold. I can't wait to get outside at every opportunity, just to warm up a bit.
Jim Murphy, Yorkshire
Lovely weather, fun in the pool, but less fun for mummy who is pregnant - she says it's like having a radiator in her tummy. Oscar (2) and Johanna (4)
Oscar and Johanna, UK
Can I also, as an Englishman, take a swipe at all these wan, lily-livered wimps moaning about the gorgeous weather we've been having. It's you pathetic lot who give us such an awful reputation overseas as a bunch of whingers. This is the best summer for years - so quit whining, stick some shorts on and get out in it and try enjoying yourselves for once in your life. They have this kind of weather the whole summer on the continent, and they don't seem to have too much trouble coping. Come winter it's you lot who'll be moaning about the cold. Stick a sock in it you bunch of pasty snivellers! More of this heat please!
Gaz, UK
It is currently mid-winter here at the moment and we are getting blue skies and 23C weather. Perhaps the British summer has taken a holiday. Seriously, train tracks buckling in 35C heat? You've got to be kidding. We regularly get a lot hotter than that and we don't have train delays. For that matter we don't have leaves on the tracks in autumn slowing us down either. Perhaps British Rail just likes excuses.
Jeremy Dunlop, Sydney, Australia After reading these comments, I'm hoping that the British will stop complaining about our overreactions from now on. We get weather like this every summer, only hotter.
Steve, Virginia, USA
Australians go from an air conditioned office, to an air conditioned car, to an air conditioned home and then maybe in the evening to an air conditioned restaurant/bar. So that's why Australians don't complain about the heat and wear jumpers when it's less than 25 degrees!
S Thomas Ex UK, Adelaide, Australia
| You guys need to chill out and enjoy it while it lasts |
Enjoy the sun & heat - it's the middle of winter in NZ & my town's high today is 17C - way too cold for me. Roll on summer when we get up to around 34C for months, not just a few days! You guys need to chill out and enjoy it while it lasts; bet you don't get another summer like it for a few years!
Elle, NZ I guess now you have some understanding of how farm workers here in inland Australia feel when it is 120 F in the shade and work still has to be done out in the lovely sun!
Bill Barker, Australia
Currently living in Australia, where it is now winter, it is good to see Britain getting some hot sunny weather. But I can't fail to be amused at the way the infrastructure just cannot support a slight deviation from the norm. Our summer temperatures in Perth regularly exceed 40C, yet our rail tracks don't buckle.
Madeleine, Australia
Since I retired from London eight years ago, this is the best summer we have had and I am enjoying it. But I do feel sorry for those with respiratory problems and I note that as many, if not more, elderly people die during a heat wave as during a cold spell.
James, UK I was just surprised to hear that the temperature in London was higher than that of Tokyo's. I am also surprised that the rail system is affected by high temperature.
Akiko, Japan
Stop whingeing and just get over it! Half of you are in places like Cyprus anyway, where it's over 35 degrees for most of the summer and I don't see you complaining. Sure, you're all on holiday here but have you ever stopped to think of all those people working to ensure yours is a good one?!
Stelios, Cyprus
| Enjoy it and remember it during those cold dark miserable winter days to come |
I don't know what all the fuss is all about. Here in Kenya and Sudan where I work, we frequently have to cope with temperatures well in excess of 40 degrees. I'm British and as genetically adapted to cold British weather as anyone else but have no problem with the heat. Enjoy it and remember it during those cold dark miserable winter days to come.
Vince, Kenya We've just come through our heat wave; forest fires still burning out of control in the province of BC. I'll be leaving for UK on Sunday so guess my summer is a scorcher all around. Global warming; get used to it.
Cate, Canada
Am I a rare sufferer if Reverse SAD? I don't like summer with the heat, the bright sunlight, the high humidity. I prefer winter, with colder, crisper days. The biggest waste of life must surely be people sitting, cooking in the sun getting a tan (a recognised sign of skin damage). Read up on your global warming notes - we're in for colder weather in future not warmer once the Gulf Stream gets diverted!
Ant, UK
| Global warming has nothing to do with us; it's just our planet doing its thing. |
Predictably, the 'experts' jump back on the global warming bandwagon, peddling their end of the world is nigh nonsense the moment we get a spell of hot weather. Please, haven't we left the green party spin back in the last century? Global warming has nothing to do with us; it's just our planet doing its thing.
Drew, UK Hey, just another day in hell for us here in Arizona. Do you want to borrow my cactus for some shade?
Geoff Hancock, Arizona
Hope you guys are enjoying your cool spell; was 102F in my hometown.
David McDonald, USA
I'd rather have African temperatures above 30 as long as the altitude is high! But Britain being at sea level has the most God awful humidity; it makes any temperature above 20 absolutely unbearable, sun or no sun! I hate this heat wave. I shall cope by taking annual leave, and hibernating in the house, blinds shut, all fans on and completing all tasks by 8h00, including shopping and walking the dog!
Silv McGrath, UK I really cannot believe everyone is moaning about the best summer for years. Enjoy it! There is nothing finer on Earth than a glorious English summer's day/evening. I know what it's like and I miss it desperately. Before you know it, you will be moaning about slush following the snowfall.
Ian Haylor (ex-pat), New Zealand
Having lived in UK and moved last year to Singapore you see how unprepared the UK is. It is almost 35 degrees every day here and about 28 over night, we do not get buckled tracks or non working air con. This is down to UK companies trying to cut corners for a few pence at the time, but then cause major problems later.
Alistair Phillips, Singapore
The UK heat wave is great news for me here in Sydney. My Aussie colleagues are forever knocking the British weather, and I'm always telling them it's actually not too bad. Unfortunately many of my erstwhile countrymen seem to be fuelling another popular stereotype by whingeing about it. Stop moaning, and get a few cold ones in!
Paul McDonnell, Australia This is too ridiculous. We match these temperatures too often in Texas. With or without air-conditioning, it is at least bearable.
Wes, USA
Oh dear, here come the Australians, whining and sniping about how frightful the British are. No doubt soon joined by the South Africans.
Steve, UK
Stop whinging! Brits complain when it's too hot, when it's too cold, when it's raining too much. Enjoy the sun! Thank goodness I emigrated here 3 years ago! If you have no air con, then just buy a fan. If you are sweating on the tubes in your suits, wear shorts and change at work. In summary, get a life!
Jim Driscoll, Melbourne, Australia I agree Jim. I moved over here 2 years ago to get away from the whinging Poms! A lovely sunny day and look at them go, all in chorus, "It's too hot, and everything's breaking".
Mark Pennington, Sydney, Australia
Jim, Mark, you don't understand.. We may sound miserable but really, moaning about the weather is one of our greatest pleasures! It's a social bonding thing like making a pot of tea.
Anon, UK
We have a person from Singapore in our office who is complaining that it is cold outside today.
Claire, UK
The reason for the unnatural weather is global warming. Which, is due to the burning of 'fossil' fuels in automobiles and other modes of transportation that burn oil. Think about electricity and quit thinking about oil. That is the cause of the trouble today for the whole world.
Dave Adams, USA
Dave Adams: How do you think they make electricity? By burning oil!!!
Peter Neal, USA
To Dave Adams USA: Electricity requires burning more fossil fuels at power plants. Global warming and climate change are natural and have happened many times before; that's why the ice age ended! This heat wave in Europe is a rare event, so enjoy it Britain and stop complaining.
Don, Michigan, USA
I hate every single second of this weather - I just don't like feeling hot, sticky and sweaty all the time. Roll on winter and I hope we have snow this year
Pauline Smith, UK
My poor cats!! All suffering terribly, poor little things. They like the shady parts under the tree, as it affords them some comfort.
Paul, UK
| Why does this country stop functioning when it gets slightly hotter? |
I've just been told that I can't pre-book an evening 'flight' on the London Eye for this Saturday because of the heat! Why does this country stop functioning when it gets slightly hotter?
Flightless, London This comment about males being able to wear smart shorts and sandals worried me. You know what will happen, the sandals will be worn with socks and we females will not put up with that however hot it is.....
Julie, England
I reside near Phoenix Arizona where the temperature this summer has topped 117 degrees. Windshields are exploding on automobiles, candles are melting indoors and dogs have to wear booties to keep their paws from burning.
Charles, USA
By all means drink water, but, don't overdo it!! Anthony Andrews found out when he started to dilute his body fluids/salts, and was very ill indeed. You can dilute the blood too much..
Colin B, Oxford
All these people talking about air con should rethink. Air con in cars and building is one of the single biggest contributors t global warming. A vicious circle you could say.....enjoy the heat but think of the future...turn off that AIR CON
Sven, UK
| Hooray for over-productive sweat glands |
This hot weather is great (even better when I'm at home by the sea, and not stuck in work in dirty grimy old London). Plus the added bonus of the high temperatures is that I'm guaranteed to get an entire seat on the train to myself - I'm usually so sweaty no one will sit next to me. Hooray for over-productive sweat glands.
Dan, England It is grey and dull here in Edinburgh, stop complaining.
Alastair, Scotland
Where do you live Alastair? I live and work in Edinburgh and it's lovely and sunny. In fact we had a brilliant hot June when the rest of the UK were moaning about the dull weather. Just checked temp in shade - it is currently 78F!
Jill, Edinburgh, Scotland
What boiling hot weather. SW Cornwall has had only two days of sunshine since 14 days ago. Today cloud and drizzle. Londoners think the UK starts in north London and finishes at Croydon!
Ron, UK
This heat is worrying and nothing here helps to keep it away. I remember reading somewhere that the next major world war will be over water! Earth's temperature is rising, no wonder we see summer heat going higher and higher each year. I think I am a bit scared actually, wondering where we'll go in 50-60 years time! In the meantime I also think that we should begin preparing cooling systems for our houses, shops etc (something which apparently never was needed in this country).
Leila Williams, London, UK A tip for office workers. Fill a bowl, bucket or waste paper bin with cold water, take off your shoes and socks or stockings, and sit with your bare feet in the water. It works as a blood cooler and you'll be so much more comfortable.
David Lones, Sweden
If there is a real risk of rail lines buckling in the heat - hence the speed restrictions - who is going to check the thousands of miles of track once temperatures have cooled down to ensure they don't remain buckled and that all tracks are properly secured? This point seems to have been overlooked.
Eldin, UK
As a Texan dealing with 39C weather every year, I say take lots of showers, drink lots of water, draw the blinds and watch arctic movies, like The Thing, Ice Station Zebra, Antarctica, Cold Fever, and Pathfinder.
William Bogg, Fort Worth TX, USA As an engineer on the railway it appears to me that most people have no concept of the difficulties that go into looking after the railway. The most crucial bit that people do not realise is that rail temperature on a scorching hot day is 18 degrees higher than air temperature. So today rail temperature was likely to be well above 50 degrees in some places. If anybody out there can make a steel that does not expand or contract in warm or cold weather then they will become a multi billionaire overnight!!!
Matthew Lloyd, England
...no they won't Matthew - they'll just be good enough to get a railway engineering job in any other country in the civilised world.
Newton Emerson, UK
I'm currently on a business trip to Dallas where it is around 35C although we are blessed with air conditioning in the buildings. Even so, they are more relaxed about dress code here and we are all in t-shirts and smart tailored shorts. Hope it keeps up for when I get back
Dave, UK
I love the heat, brings out all the scantily clad women!!!
Jonesy, England and proud
Why do people insist on comparing the temperature here in the UK at 30+ degree with that of other countries? I lived in Africa quite happily in 30+ degrees as the heat was dry and not at all unpleasant. Here when the heat soars it's absolutely guaranteed to be muggy too. Oh and just bear a though for all of those who are more vulnerable in the heat - old people, babies/young children and pregnant women.
Gwen Dobson, UK
I've just read through a couple of European websites and I'm reassured to find that British commuters aren't the only ones suffering from the heat. Speed restrictions have been imposed on many railways across France and Spain, in fact the Spanish have completely closed down two railway lines in Extramadura. British Rail also imposed speed restrictions during other heatwaves in the 1990s so, inconvenient as it is, Network Rail is sensibly following suit.
John, UK
| What we need in weather like this is more places to go swimming out of doors |
What we need in weather like this is more places to go swimming out of doors. Too many sections of river run through land with private access or are monopolised by fishermen. And all other bodies of water are on land where the land owners are too frightened of getting sued if someone has an accident. Land owners should be able to sign a disclaimer against liability on the grounds that they erect adequate warning signs on the dangers of water and let the rest of us swim out of doors responsibly and at our own risk.
Mo, UK I love it! Long live the heatwave! I'm mildly surprised that 10 Downing Street hasn't claimed Brownie points for organising it.
C. Hunter, England
Why are people always complaining? In New Zealand the trains stop as soon as automatic sensors on the track detect high temperatures over a set value, and they don't run again until engineers have reached the train and checked out the track. Stop moaning about the railways, just enjoy the weather while it lasts. The snow will be here again soon enough.
Malcolm, UK
| When you sun-worshippers are shivering in winter, you'll see me smiling again |
I can't stand this heat, there's no escaping it. Cold weather is much easier to deal with. Besides, I'm genetically adapted to cooler climates, with a low surface to volume ratio (I'm short and stocky, in other words - but not fat!). This means I'm not good at dissipating heat, and my body's answer seems to be to sweat copiously and continuously. My fingers are actually going wrinkly from it. When you sun-worshippers are shivering in winter, you'll see me smiling again. Here's to a nice cold winter!
S Wilson, UK For all the guys moaning about commuting in suits, there's no reason you have to wear the suit on the train or the tube. You could change when you get to the office/before you leave for home.
anonymous, UK
I don't want to be too alarmist but news from France, where power stations are being hosed down, leads one to realise that cracks in rails are possibly a minor issue. What is being done to prevent cracks in nuclear reactors? Most of these were built before major advances in prehensile construction materials had been achieved. At what outside temperature will the concrete in our power stations start to crack?
Nigel, UK
| The railways suffered quite severely from buckled rails in the hot summer of 1976 |
The railways suffered quite severely from buckled rails in the hot summer of 1976, and probably every hot summer before and after that. Continuously welded rail has been used on main lines since the mid 1960s, here and abroad - it has expansion gaps at regular intervals. The difference now is that no-one in the industry will be prepared to risk their judgement being wrong, for fear of either being sued or facing criminal charges. Without in any way belittling the tragic loss of life at Hatfield, that's what we get for a culture which looks to blame individuals rather than the system they operate under.
Chris, UK Have to agree with 'M' and 'Paul' (both below): Britain used to lay rails across India, the Sudan, Australia - you know, genuinely hot places! - where seasonal mean temperatures are far higher than in Britain itself. I gather the original rails are still there, too. Did we make them better then, or is there some wonderful new alloy in the casting that facilitates bending (oh, and allows snow to adhere better, too!)? Looks like the Empire really has come to the end of the line ...
John, UK
I have my feet in a dish of cold water under my desk. It doesn't seem to be lowering my temperature much but it is raising a few eyebrows.
Janet, London
People with or without air-conditioning in offices should spare a thought for the people who work in factories. I've just had a walk through ours, and it's stifling - plus the guys/gals have to wear heavy cotton overalls. I'm just thankful I work in the offices, even though there's no air-con.
Lou, UK
| I am enjoying every degree the sun is giving us right now |
We had a proper winter with snow in January and people moaned. We now have a proper summer and people still moan. Last August I was in central Florida where it reached 106 with high humidity, and loved it. I am enjoying every degree the sun is giving us right now and hope it hits 100. It reminds me of 10 pence ice creams and riding about on a Raleigh Chopper bicycle during those nice hot summers of 1976-77. Bottle of water, sunglasses, cotton clothing, hat/cap and sun creams and you should be fine. There are plenty of people in other countries tolerating much higher temperatures - so stop moaning and chill out!
Michael, England I have yet to hear a good reason for why the rails here cannot cope with air temperatures above 30 degrees. With a temperature difference throughout the year of 40 degrees, why is the system at breaking point when rails in other countries cope with temperature differences of 80 degrees throughout the year?
M, UK
On a recent news programme I saw film of workers laying track. They seemed to be welding the track together, rather than laying it the old fashioned way with 'fishplates'. Can someone confirm whether the track is now welded together, as a cost cutting measure, leaving it without the expansion gap which was designed to keep things safe? If this is so, then surely someone must take responsibility for this decision?
Frank Hutton, UK
Enjoy the sun but remember the sun cream - I have high blood pressure which most of our family suffer from but it doesn't mean that I don't like it too hot. It doesn't stop me going outside and enjoying the sun, when you have kids you can't expect them to stay in doors all day, just coat them in high factor sun cream, stick a hat on their heads and let them go play, then to cool down, have fun with the kids in the garden and turn the hose pipe on (helps if you wait until the kids are looking down the hose for the water before turning it on).
Chris, UK
| Spare a thought for our Armed Forces working in Iraq where temperatures are around 45C |
Temperatures of 33C and everyone is complaining about how difficult it is to travel to work or sit in an office. Well, spare a thought for our Armed Forces working in Iraq where temperatures are around 45C. No air-conditioning, no cold water and it stays around 40C overnight. It's about time people in the UK realised how lucky they are! Mind you the trains are running in Iraq now, probably to a better timetable than we see in the UK!
Paul, UK It is fine to say go enjoy the heat and to stop complaining, but when you are stuck in an office all day with no air-conditioning and a window that opens no more than 2" - what chance have I got!
Angelique, UK
Why are a lot of people getting annoyed because we moan - remember it's part of our heritage, leave us to it! I think this weather is great for the kids on their holidays, I spent three hours in the park with my two boys yesterday, (yes, I sun blocked them up and kept them hydrated), it beats having two bored children sat around the house with nowhere to go, the only bad bit is walking home, I have to push a buggy with my youngest in, and my eldest sits on the top, so it's hard work, but hey, keeps me fit.
M.Whyman, UK
It rains - delays. It snows - delays. Leaves fall of trees - delays. It's perfectly hot and sunny - delays. No other rail network on earth is so unreliable and shoddy. How do you think Mediterranean countries cope? They get this heat all the time during summer!
Richard, UK
It's not surprising that there are speed restrictions in force on the railways. Imagine the uproar if an accident occurred, everyone would be screaming for Network Rail and its contractors to be prosecuted. The lawyers and the Health and Safety fanatics have got to take the blame for a lot of this, everyone now tries to cover their own backs.
Brian W, UK
| I think they have their priorities wrong |
Animal welfare campaigners getting steamed up about livestock being sent to market in non air-conditioned lorries - I think they have their priorities wrong. What about long-suffering Londoners packed into stifling, overcrowded, non air-conditioned Tube carriages?
BRB, London, UK BRB London: the animals do not have a choice whereas you do. You choose to live in London and travel on packed, non-air conditioned tubes. Animals are forced on to packed, non-air conditioned lorries! If you must continue eating them then please have a little compassion!
SB, UK
Fantastic to have some decent weather for a change but what a bunch of whingers we are. Go home when it gets too hot? Simple answer, start work earlier but that's probably not fair either. Before you start moaning think of the folks out in the Gulf at the moment, friend emailed last week, 45C at 6pm, had reached 67C a few days before, throw in some open latrines, body armour and boots and you can stop moaning about the tube and suits.
Bill, UK
How much longer is our railway system going to embarrass us - having to slow trains down when the temperature reaches a paltry 35C. No wonder the Russian language student staying with us shakes his head in astonishment at this news item on TV.
David Simmons, UK
This weather is glorious! Brits are never happy unless they have something to moan about. Personally I can't wait until the end of the day when I can drive home with my music blaring and my windows wide open before sitting in the garden for the evening with a nice cool drink. Just the thought of it makes me smile! Long may it continue.
Stella, UK
There's lots of comments here from people about how to keep cool in the hot weather. Unfortunately a number of us have to get a poorly air-conditioned train to and from London followed by a non-air-conditioned tube just to get to the office. AND we have to wear suit and tie to the office. This doesn't make it very easy to stay cool - and getting home is worse than coming in. If we could get decent air-conditioning on public transport then a lot of people would be a lot happier. Either that or two months off during the summer like teachers.
Clive Rogers, United Kingdom My wife and I got married on 3 August 1990, in Luton, where it was only just short of the record temperature over in Cheltenham. We had roast beef, yorkshires and roast potatoes, all ordered back in freezing January. The reception was in a church hall, no fans, let alone aircon. Having got through three shirts during the photos alone (suit jacket on) and my wife nearly passing out in her dress, lets just say that the goodbye hugs at the end of the evening were...a little damp!
Roy Opie, UK
Well I couldn't be happier, I'm in an IT office that traps heat and the air conditioner is about kick the bucket, everyone around me is complaining!! I love heat, I'm not too keen on sticky heat but this is nice. Only wish I could get out of working, but heh ho, life goes on! Wouldn't mind a siesta though as the heat does not help when working hard.
Phil Brett, UK
I wish people would stop pouring blessings upon this heat. I suffer from a skin condition that responds very badly to high temperatures and I shall spend this week nursing an uncomfortable rash. Roll on Autumn, say I!
Andrew, England
| Its nice to have four proper seasons for a change |
The heat is nice, its nice to have four proper seasons for a change. When it rains in the summer after scorching heat its so beautiful and reminds me of the monsoons of my childhood in Pakistan. When its hot like this in Pakistan we used to avoid going out in the afternoon , and drink tea in the evenings and early morning. Remember to drink lots of water, eat fruit as that helps you get your hunger back that the heat kills, wear non starched linen clothes, and keep personally clean by at least shaving under your arm pits. Sarongs and linen shalwaar kameez are perfect for this weather.
Ali, UK I'm surprised that people think air-con should be used to cool things down. I thought air-con was the cause of global warming, not the answer.
Malcolm, UK
Being a World traveller, I have come across quite a few novel ways of staying cool. Take, for example, the Solomon islands. The Solomons boast the largest coconut eating land crabs in the world - up to fifty or sixty cm across. They are capable of cracking open a mature coconut with ease they climb trees and have survived being hit by some of the few cars on the islands. Farmers sometime fix a wooden panel to fifteen or more of the crabs. Then, sitting on the panel, they dangle pieces of fresh coconut flesh in the direction they wish to travel. Instantly they are off and running. These land crabs can cover three miles in about forty minutes. The farmer, after working in the fields all day gets a free cool ride home and the crabs are properly fed when he gets home.
Ken, UK/RO
Get a grip you Pommies
Max in Sydney, Australia
| Let's all sleep in the garden! |
Honestly... you people are mad!! It is true that you are not used to these kind of temperatures in your country, and I am also suffering because of a lack of air conditioning in the office and on public transport but... On the radio they have just said that tonight is going to be uncomfortably hot... 20 degrees!! Go on, let's all sleep in the garden!! Please!! I am Italian and normally I am in a very bad mood in summer because I miss the heat and the possibility to wear sandals and I am loving this heatwave!! The thing I love the most is precisely the fact that you can sleep at night!! It is so nice to have hot weather during the day and then sleep under your duvet at night!! Back home it might be 30 during the day but then it stays 30 during the night!! And believe me: THAT is nasty, not being able to sleep properly and waking up with puffy eyes and a headache!! Therefore, stop complaining please, enjoy the sun and maybe if you drank less beer and more water, you would not feel the heat that much!!!
Claudia, UK I remember heat waves such as 1977 when I was growing up in London. Generally the heat is always higher here in Cairns (Oz) where I now live, but with air-cons, ceiling fans and a pool in the backyard it doesn't feel as hot! I don't miss sweltering on the tube in rush hour, no sir!! And our railways lines don't buckle !!??
Julie Duncan, Australia
All I want to know is: Who is the woman with the great legs at the top of this page?
David , USA
| More people die of heat stroke than hypothermia |
This heat is debilitating, raises the blood pressure, and kills a lot of elderly people. More people die of heat stroke than hypothermia. You people who sit out in it are mad. Winter is nicer. you can snuggle up under the duvet and sleep peacefully WITH THE WINDOWS SHUT to keep out the noise ! Roll on autumn and a crisp frosty morning !
Kris, UK Trains slow because of heat? Must be the wrong kind of sun.
Kevin Quinn, England
Enjoy the summer, I recall very few hot years in my Preston youth, perhaps 1976 but it's not the heat that gets you, it's the humidity. I have got (or should I say gotten) used to de-humidifiers and air conditioners at home, work and the car in Chicago.
Alan, USA
Better than rain! Here are some tips to keep cool. 1. Hang an old white sheet outside sun facing windows and keep windows closed. 2. Put a white sheet over your car if it is a dark colour. 3. Spray water on the patio and surrounding walls to cool them. 4. Open any windows you can safely at night. 5. Drink hot weak tea (NOT beer!).
John, UK
| I cannot understand why the railways in Britain cannot cope with the weather |
I cannot understand why the railways in Britain cannot cope with the weather. Slashing the speeds of trains because it gets a little on the warm side? Sounds like an excuse to cover up creaking infrastructure and mismanagement. Having been in Japan for two years, the railways run on time whether the temperature is in the mid to high thirties (which it is day and night for the whole summer), or whether there is snow during the winter. I have only faced delays twice since living here. Still, the UK being the UK, it won't last too long. Soon the trains will be able to get back to "normal speed". That is, of course, until there are leaves on the line, wrong type of snow, ....
Matthew, UK in Japan I think there should be a ban (or a massive tax) on air-conditioning. Have you ever looked at how much power these devices consume? Start thinking about the whole planet's ecology, not just your own comfort!
Calum Steen, UK
65 years ago my physics teacher explained the expansion of metals with heat and illustrated this by telling us that a gap was left between railway lines to allow for expansion. Does metal not expand in this modern world ?
Neville Browning, Wales
On hearing of the difficulties being faced by UK rail companies, I checked the Dutch railway site
since we are experiencing a similar heatwave. No service irregularities.
P McGauran, Netherlands Heatwave ???? PLEASE spare a thought for us here in Spijkenisse (near Rotterdam) we've had this weather since May! All of the grass is now turning brown and over the last few weeks its been basically above the 30 degrees and stifling hot, especially at night. Yesterday we were attempting to finish off the painting at home ended-up naked, on the stairs (inside I hasten to add!) It's amazing what a bit of yellow paint can do ! I work in shop where every year they give daily discount in the summer according to the temperature - and the discount was nearly always between 28 and 33 %.
Jonathan Horn van Beek, The Netherlands Rail tracks buckling in the scorching heat of 33 degrees...? Oh please!! We have 41 degrees here at present and everything is business as usual. If it snows it is the wrong type of flakes and if the sun shines it is 'scorchio'. Just what are you Brits on about??!!
Paul Simmons, France
This weather is normal in Nebraska in the summer and through most of September. I usually escape to a private swimming pool in my neighbourhood. That's how I cope. I love to swim and I've always lived near a pool! Hang in there.
Susan M., Nebraska, USA
I'm an ex pat living here in South Texas. It's been hard to try and convince my mates back home what 37 - 45 C feels like. Enjoy it while you can at least it will cool down, not much chance of that over here. :)
Shaun Gibson, Texas, USA
| Thank goodness for air conditioning in buildings and cars |
Heat wave eh? Of course our entire summer here in Texas is a heat wave. Three summers ago we had 60 days straight with high temps over 100F. The morale of that statistic is thank goodness for air conditioning in buildings and cars. So try to stay cool any way you can......
Jeff Turner, USA, Texas Spanish TV last week showed live footage of an egg being fried on the tarmac during the 48� in Seville! That's hot! And in the Alicante province where I live, the shade temperature at 0100hrs last Sunday was 32�!
Darren Parmenter, Spain
It never ceases to amaze how many people simply don't have a clue how to dress for this weather. I've witnessed three people today wearing polo neck sweaters with temperatures nudging towards 80 degrees
Kevin Dorrian, Scotland
The people blaming the current good weather on global warming probably don't even realise that nearly all the highest recorded temperatures around the globe occurred during the 1800's! As did skating on the Thames in winter! Wake up, chill out and enjoy the sunshine...it won't last!
Ade, England
What's a heat wave?
Pete, Edinburgh, Scotland
It's amazing how the Japanese manage to run some of the fastest trains in the world, whilst having a much warmer climate than ours! Seriously, I think we've become a bunch of wimps!
Phil, Bournemouth
Bring it on ... let's follow the Greeks and the Italians and stop working for August. Without the need to use public transport or wear a suit to work most people would enjoy it.
Phillip, Holley, UK, London
| This is one of the best summers I can remember |
I have just come back from Marrakech so this is like being on holiday again. It's wonderful and I am making the most of it. This is one of the best summers I can remember for a long time.
Simon, England Despite the heat there are still people in my office who moan at having the window open and even put the heater on! What's that all about?!
Lee Jepson, Hull, England
Never mind humans, we have ways of keeping cool. My prize fuchsias in the greenhouse look decidedly limp!
Chris, England
So, the rail system is in chaos due to the heat? How do other warmer countries cope? You never here complaints of the systems and the heat.
Michael, England
What time's this heatwave coming to Manchester? It can stay away from Liverpool (where I work), but as long as it rears it's hot head at 5.30pm every day that's just perfect!
Dave, UK
| If we were able to adjust our lifestyles, we would enjoy hot and cold weather much more |
I think the problem is the inflexibility of our lifestyles, rather than the weather itself. For instance, if we were to arrange to take siestas if really hot weather was forecast it would help. Another example of that is in Norway, where they recently bought loads of skis, as the weather was extremely cold and energy costs high, so they decided to keep warm naturally. If we were able to adjust our lifestyles, we would enjoy hot and cold weather much more.
Graeme Phillips, Germany, normally UK This heat is fantastic, would love weather like this all year round. Most of the UK public that whinge about it are over weight, Loose a few stone and stop whinging. Think of our glorious boys in the Gulf, they are working hard in hotter climates than us and they can't stop to cool down.
Sunray Steve, UK - Suffolk
I don't like it. I get affected by seasonal affective disorder in the summer when it gets too hot. I become badly depressed and irritable, so I am not looking forward to this week. Anyone who knows me should probably not talk to me for a while...
Jon Lipscombe, UK
Ceiling fans are the way to go. They look lovely, operate very quietly and efficiently, and keep you cool 24 hours a day for little cost. We're about to install one in the bedroom, which will make sleeping in summer much easier! But in the car, I'd die without aircon.
Alastair Stevens, Cambridge UK Bring on the heat. I find 40 in the shade delightful, though preferably abroad. (I have very fond memories of the Sahara in high summer). How do I cope? Wearing loose, thin cotton cheesecloth type clothing, and a Taureg style head covering (also cotton) is important to maintain comfort. Synthetic fibres should be avoided. Exposing bare skin ( a mistake that many make) makes the heat seem far more intense. It is also important to keep moving, albeit slowly, to ensure air flow over the skin. Flopping down and remaining stationary only exacerbates the feeling of discomfort.
Tenzin, UK
My garden looks lovely, my veggies are swelling and ripening, and people are smiling! I love summer, and in warm weather there is no nicer place then England! But how I wish that our national newspapers would refrain from the inevitable and puerile "phew what a scorcher" headlines over pictures of scantily clad women (a bit like the one at the top of this page, actually ...)
sue, UK
I used to love the hot weather in London. But since my 20 month old daughter has eczema, which is aggravated by the heat, I prefer it when it's cooler. Bring on autumn and winter!
Sonia, UK
To Sonia whose daughter has eczema and is bothered by the heat. Next year, try to get a small air conditioning unit. This will help your daughter tremendously. I got one on the advice of a dermatologist. It helped my daughter for years. Relieved the itching and helped her relax. It's worth the expense and not that expensive anyway. Just needs looking into. Here in Alberta, we can get blisteringly hot summers. And it saved her many a time. A place to retreat. Now she's left home, and I'm reaping the benefit of a still functioning air conditioning unit!! Good luck?
Pat Reid, Canada
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