SunnyPlease

Awful summer. Not 2012 bad, but truly awful.

I got to 51 days without measurable rain in Haverhill, Suffolk. For the UK, that is extremely exceptional. No other summer aside from 1976 can hold a candle to it. It was also the hottest summer on record, on average, hotter than 1976. People tend to have rose tinted glasses with many summers because they coincide with memorable times in their life. If a person is inside a lot during a particular summer, they will rate it lower. I can remember 2003, and while a good summer with some amazing plumes, for sheer longevity and stability, it didn't come close to 2018. In the future, 2018 will be held in the same regard as 1976. In many ways, it was even better. Despite global warming, we'd be lucky to see another summer like 2018 in the next 50 years.

2018 was easily the best summer since 1976 imo. Yes, it beat out 1995, 2003, 2006. It did drop in August yes, but you have to remember it 'started early' in May which was the hottest on record. June 2018 was also my favorite summer month EVER because it was wall to wall sunshine practically all month and nearly always above 25c. It was a summer without huge extremes like this one, but that was part of the reason it lasted so long; it was very stable. Summers like 2018 which extend for months on end are extremely extremely rare, and it was a 'homegrown' heat so typically very low humidity. I very much doubt we will see another summer like 2018 for a long long time in terms of sheer longevity and consistency. This summer has easily been the best since 2018 but is still a long way behind. Only if we have a continuation of this settled weather into the end of August can they be compared.

2018 really was something else.

It is similar to my profession - landscaping. If I don't cram in as much work as possible during the spring and especially summer months, then I run out of money in the Winter. I have worked through every plume we've had, including this one. Was doing fencing and digging today, and was absolutely lovely. But then again, I do love heat. People who have their own businesses need to work no matter the conditions, we don't have a choice. But tbh, I would much rather be working on days like today than in the cold.

Lol. Middle of July is the very peak of heating capability and I dare say that if the plume on August 10th 2003 had happened around this time, the temperature would of been even higher. That's what makes this event so rare. The absolute perfect setup at the absolute perfect time of year.

It's difficult to know exactly how high tomorrow will go. With this amount of heating, it's not impossible it will top 41c but forecasts temps today were about 0.5c or more 'down' in reality, so, I don't know. I am 100% certain the record will go, it just has to. This is the UK though, so we know they'll be something to scupper the 40c if there can be . Watch it either be 39.9c, bang on 40c, or just over

My thermometer in Haverhill, Suffolk (shade) topped out at 38.3c at 4:35pm in the end. At 37.8c now. I find it is usually about 0.2-0.3 up on reality, so we maxed about 38c-38.1c

Spells such as this will never last in this country I'm afraid. It's just too unstable. If anything, we're lucky to have a two day plume, which is very rare. I am a lover of extreme heat and want nothing more than to see 40c broken tomorrow. However, if you gave me a choice between a long extended spell of warm/hot (between 25-35c), dry and stable weather (1976/2018), I'd take that over a fierce plume that breakdowns into snot any day of the week. Thankfully, it looks like it won't be the last of the weather, and there's a good chance it will reload towards the end of July. Wednesday onwards will come as a shock to the system though. My birthday (21st July) always seems to be just after a hot spell or just before despite being slap bang in the middle of Summer and about the very hottest part of the year average wise.

Given the amount of ground warming we've had and the fierce uppers, yes, I'm a little surprised it didn't go a tad higher. Doesn't matter though because tomorrow is going to be a straight oven with many places starting the day 10c hotter. Wouldn't even rule out 41c or higher tomorrow. This is just the 'warm up'.

100% certainty.

Don't mind a storm. Especially as it looks like reloading in the next week or so.

It's pretty much a formality that we will break the minimum record either tonight or tomorrow night. And tomorrow really is going to be a historic day. Even with global warming, I'd be surprised if it happens again in the next 20 years, perhaps longer.

I had no issues doing some landscaping today. Fencing and minor digging. Had to chug lots of cold water of course, but it's been absolutely amazing, and the dry air mass really has helped. Will certainly remember this spell for a long time to come.

This heat is so dry. It's amazing. This is the only day in the UK I can remember that has actually felt like Mediterranean heat in terms of max and dryness.

I live in Haverhill. My outdoor thermometer (not the most accurate granted) touched 38.2c just now

Although I have to admit that I’m surprised it didn’t go today. It will certainly go tomorrow, but think that judging by the warming today, it will be squeaky bum in regards to 40c

If so, it’ll go tomorrow anyway.

I live near Cambridge and there’s not a single cloud in the sky. It’s deep blue med bliss. Reminds me of Italy.

With 2 hours warming or so to go, this has to be higher than 2003, and should get very very close to the record. It’s 100% hello 40c tomorrow with this sort of pre warming

Really does feel like the Med!. It’s a very nice heat despite being high. Beautiful stuff

Still possible the record will go today. Sometimes you can achieve the max around 4pm. Looks more likely it will top out at about 38c somewhere though, just short. Record will undoubtedly go tomorrow, and we should hit 40c

Most of it is genetics. Chances are that if your family looked younger than they were/are, then the same should apply for you. All my family on both my mothers and fathers side look/looked young for their age. I am 30 and often get told I look between 20-22. The older you get, the more external factors such as sunscreen wear (very very overlooked) and stress come into play in determining how you age.

Could even be 43c tbh with 24c uppers, but anywhere between 41-42c is very possible, which is very very very extraordinary and I don't think would be surpassed for a very long time.

Never said it 'will be a walk in the park'. I have said the opposite multiple times. For many people, yes, it will be hard to tolerate. This is not the same as being 'dangerous'. As long as proper precautions are taken, the majority of people will be fine. Many of these same people go abroad every year on holiday in temperatures higher than 40c and yet handle them fine without issue. Why can't they in this country? 40c is 40c. Again, I have to reiterate it, I am NOT saying it's not serious for the old and infirm - it is. But for the majority, a two day plume of extreme heat is not life threatening.