Tuesday's web diary

I spoke to one paramedic who said people were simply not drinking enough water and were suffering from dehydration.

As for the animals, the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society (RWAS) said firefighters would spray the roofs of the cattle sheds with cold water should it get any hotter.

The contingency plans were revealed by the RWAS' Hadyn Jones, who added that electric fans may also be used to cool the animals.

Despite the problems the heat has caused, it's been the most successful Monday at the show since 1999.

Attendance figures, like the temperature, soared to 54,956, up 9,594 on Monday last year.

Derek proudly clutching his shepherd's crook

On a lighter note, as the heat is on at the show who better to ask about the temperature than BBC Wales' man for all seasons, weather presenter Derek Brockway.

But what's this? Has Derek gone all rural on us? I spotted him clutching a shepherd's crook sent to him by BBC viewer Arwyn George. It even has Derek's name on it. Proudly holding his crook, he kindly posed for a picture for us.

Posted on Monday at 1211 BST

There's an overwhelming smell of manure in the air - it must be the Royal Welsh Show.

Yes, it's that time of year again when Wales comes together to celebrate the rural way of life.

It's already quite busy here in Llanelwedd in mid Wales, and about 50,000 visitors are expected here today, the show's opening day.

It's amazing to think that more than 200,000 people will have visited this small area of Wales by the end of the week.

It goes to show that the Royal Welsh is more than just a farming showpiece.

Watch your step - and where you go

It's where long lost friends meet up, where people go to network, where others feed their passion for animals, where romances blossom among young farmers.

The show means something different to everyone.

For me, the show is special. I've been brought up with event and first visited as a child, although I've covered it as a reporter now for 10 years.

It's where I get the chance to meet up with old friends, and it also provides an opportunity to network and chat with the AMs, councillors, press officers - people you speak to on the phone but hardly ever meet face-to-face.

This afternoon, I'll be interviewing Dylan Jones from Powys, who is being presented with an award for his skills as a shepherd.

As for my accommodation, I pitched my tent about seven miles from the showground at a campsite near Llandrindod Wells.

And so far its seems an inspired decision on my part because my fellow campers and I are basking in the sort of temperatures you'd expect to find in the south of France or Spain at this time of year.