As I write this post, the temperature in Greater London is 33°C (91.4°F). This has become a regular occurrence since the middle of May onwards. High temperatures are fine when you’re on holiday mainly because you’re off work and at your leisure. You don’t have to perform the usual daily task that life requires of you such as work, shop, cook, clean etc. Furthermore, if you’re on vacation you’ll probably be staying at a resort or hotel that is fully air conditioned and you’re dressed accordingly. However, if you’re still performing you’re daily routine such as commuting to work and spending time in an office that wasn’t built with such external temperatures in mind, then 33°C is frankly a pain in the ass. Oh and if you’re one of those people who always respond to discussions such as this with “well I live in Riyadh and it’s 40°C here”, please sod off. You live in a desert which is dumb to begin with. Plus this is not a commensurate comparison. Temperatures are rising in the UK. It’s always hot in Saudi Arabia. Back the matter in hand, almost three-quarters of England is now officially in drought. Reservoir levels have fallen to 69%. That is 11.6% lower than expected for this time of year. There are already restrictions in place with regard to the use of water such as a hosepipe ban. The immediate prospects of a respite from such high temperatures is not likely at present and so the UK and Europe braces for its fifth climate heatwave this summer. As a result of the hot weather, UK farmers have reported their earliest harvests in 20 years, with reduced yields. Reduced domestic yields in core staples like wheat (down roughly 14%) and oats (down at least 9%) are driving fears of climbing food inflation later in the year. From a wider perspective the heatwaves and associated drought also have serious consequences for the UK economy. It is estimated that £3 billion to £4.4 billion has been lost as the result of lower or lost economic output. Heathland Fire, Ringwood, New Forest On a personal note, because the last few summers in the UK have been getting hotter, we’ve bought several fans. Four to be precise. These are quiet, pedestal models that keep the air circulating in the main rooms of our home. We keep the curtains and blinds closed all day to stop the sun heating the rooms directly. However, we keep a few windows open to draw air in at the back of the bungalow and vent air out of the front. At present it is 27°C indoors but the flow of air makes it feel more tolerable. Due to the heat outside we tend not to go out unless we have too. Chores such as going to the supermarket are conducted early in the morning. Despite being an Englishman I won’t go out in the midday sun. So for the immediate future, all social arrangements are on hold and me and Mrs P are just staying indoors and trying to stay cool. Fortunately we are both able to occupy ourselves, so boredom is not yet an issue for the present. Old Farm Park showing signs of drought The fact that the UK is currently enduring a continued period of record breaking temperatures, along with Europe, clearly indicates to me the validity of climate change. The data has been there for years, so I will have no truck with those who choose to refute it for political and financial reasons. However, although I eschew such people I can see why they act thus. They are motivated by financial and political gain. What annoys me more are those who try and argue against the data, despite having no fact based counter argument. Those who deny the reality of the situation because “their team” has encouraged them to do so. Wilful ignorance is a blight than runs through all western societies. However, I rather not end on a negative note, so let’s look to a positive. One individual who is having a great summer is our local ice cream man. He plies his trade down our street daily and is doing great business. So at least some good is coming from this unusual weather. Permalink