I think some of the "it's just summer" crowd are likely to get caught out - although I also expect red warnings and, once those are issued, some schools to close etc.

Having lugged laptops across a playground in 40C in July 2022 - it's not an experience I ever want to repeat. Every breath burned, and that was frankly scary to experience.

Originally Posted by: Retron 

Yeah, because it's a cheap one and won't work.

You get what you pay for.

Originally Posted by: Charmhills 

I remember going for a walk on the 40C day, it was hard just walking around the block. What I remember most was the burning heat radiating of the ground onto my legs, it was crazy. I suspect we may see wildfires too.

Originally Posted by: Heavy Weather 2013 

I think some of the "it's just summer" crowd are likely to get caught out - although I also expect red warnings and, once those are issued, some schools to close etc.

Having lugged laptops across a playground in 40C in July 2022 - it's not an experience I ever want to repeat. Every breath burned, and that was frankly scary to experience.

Originally Posted by: Retron 

The expensive ones don't work either as it's simple physics - use a "swamp cooler" in the UK and get nothing but more humidity, it's just too humid already. It's a different story if dewpoints are near zero, but they're 20C right here, right now! Mind you, people are dumb enough to spend hundreds on a Dyson fan (which just moves air around), so doubtless they'll find a market...

A portable a/c, proper cooling with a refrigerant, is the way to go. Or even split a/c (which starts at £500 ish, ex-fitting).

Originally Posted by: Retron 

They are utter cack - just a fan with added humidity. They might knock a degree or so off on a very hot, very low humidity day but they're generally useless in the UK and shouldn't be marketed as they are. (I had one back in 2003, all that happened was the humidity went up and black mould grew in the filters... lovely.)

A proper portable a/c is the way to go if you want spot cooling.

Originally Posted by: Retron 

I remember going for a walk on the 40C day, it was hard just walking around the block. What I remember most was the burning heat radiating of the ground onto my legs, it was crazy. I suspect we may see wildfires too.

Originally Posted by: Heavy Weather 2013 

I think in the last few years the penny has started to drop on air conditioning, as it did on the continent after 2003.

It’s no longer an indulgent American-style luxury but a necessity. And for houses with solar panels - which should really be all houses - it can be cheap and green. Even on the grid a/c in a couple of rooms is way less energy intensive than central heating. 

You can be certain this week there will still be “it’s summer” types on social media. If the record doesn’t go to Heathrow then the fallback will be “the record we just broke was set way back in 1976. No warming since then until today”.

Originally Posted by: TimS 

With a 93 year old, mobile but altzheimic, father to look after? Who would sit out in this and cook if I didn't stop him.

Matty, I am, honestly, happy for you. I know you enjoy hot weather, but for me this is a test of my resilience.

There are hundreds of thousands of people like my father, or me, who will be severely tested this week.

Originally Posted by: Devonian 

We bought a portable A/C unit about 5 years back at a cost of about £150.

It felt like a luxury then but we've used it every summer since and it's been worth every penny. 

Originally Posted by: scillydave 

Meto are going to have to update there extreme heat warning for Tuesday to Thursday surely, Monday I wouldn't consider extreme for now for most unless something changes with the output, but those three midweek days looking like 35c-40c.

Originally Posted by: BYF1 

On which topic could this thread be split so those of us can find info about this heat and where those of us getting on in years (and with elderly dependents) can keep up with developments/thoughts without having to read of people enjoying this (for me, I think I would enjoy it we're I younger) sad weather event?

I don't want to either be upset by the views of other or indeed upset them with mine. I just want to get through this while being informed.

So something like a 'Heatwave - how to cope, what are the prospects of relief'? Thread and a 'Heatwave, will it last'  thread.

Originally Posted by: Devonian 

This is surely going to happen today? (Red weather warnings issued)

Originally Posted by: Matty H 

You are going to be in the sweet spot. I assume the red wont be for London, areas from reading west. 

Originally Posted by: The Beast from the East 

Just keep quiet if you have nothing but negativity to say about an unprecedented meteorological event on a weather forum, quite ridiculous really this call for safe spaces 🤣

Feels like the first day of the heat wave here in the beautiful north. Yesterday seemed just a regular perfect summers day.

Originally Posted by: HighPressureGloom 

There's no need to be unpleasant ?

I've read lots of posts complaining about how rotten summer has been in the north - I understand that. It would help if you try to be understanding about the struggle thousands of people in the south will be going through this week. We are all weather enthusiasts but we're people not thermometers.

Originally Posted by: Devonian 

To me the unpleasant action is trying to make weather enthusiasts feel some kind of cognitive dissonance towards their passion, 

but you keep playing the victim. 

Originally Posted by: HighPressureGloom 

Amber warnings have had some sort of change. It’s flashed up on my iPhone but when I click the link it’s not actually showing what’s changed

I’ll be gobsmacked if there isn’t a red. I assume there will be if it starts to look like London will get the highest temps 

Originally Posted by: Matty H