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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

AIBU to be fed up with the heatwave hysteria?

218 replies

Freshtona · 23/06/2026 20:14

I'm getting a bit sick of the heat hysteria.

Yes it's going to be very hot for the next few days. So stay hydrated and out of the sun. Be sensible, take precautions. It's not difficult.

Millions of people around the world endure hot temperatures and yes it's uncomfortable for these few days but the crap British weather will be back soon, fear not.

People are acting quite over the top about it imo.

OP posts:
SheilaWilde · 23/06/2026 22:52

TheJuryIsOut · 23/06/2026 22:44

I agree, obviously it's different for the elderly etc, but they're not going out to work or whatever so I don't see why the whole country has to shut down?

Are you on the north?

SheilaWilde · 23/06/2026 22:50

There is a real lack of intelligence by some posters on this thread and other heatwave threads. The whole country is not the same temperature. If you’re commenting from a region where it’s peaking at 28 you’re not understanding that 32-38 is completely different. Plus the difference in humidity. It’s the same people who say things like ‘get an Uber’ to people who live rurally. Just because it’s not that hot where you are it doesn’t mean it’s not hotter in other places 🙄

IsitaHatOrACat · 23/06/2026 22:49

I worked today in a uniform and proper shoes (required) visiting elderly people in warm homes. I drank water all day, stayed in the shade and took my time. My car was over 30 degrees and didn't cool to below 30 between visits even with air con. This evening I've been ill from the heat with a headache and nausea. I'm not sure how I'll do this for 3 more days in a row.

Amira83 · 23/06/2026 22:47

We all cope differently .. im feeling desperate and unable to cope with it. A good tip is put your feet in a bowl of cold water. Really is cooling me down. Put cold water in a hot water bottle and freeze it. Its so cold on my feet in bed, helps me sleep

sittingonabeach · 23/06/2026 22:45

@TheJuryIsOut other countries are doing the same

TheJuryIsOut · 23/06/2026 22:44

I agree, obviously it's different for the elderly etc, but they're not going out to work or whatever so I don't see why the whole country has to shut down?

RubyFatball · 23/06/2026 22:43

Me too, @PinkCatCushion makes a very good point.

Terfedout · 23/06/2026 22:43

PinkCatCushion · 23/06/2026 22:37

It’s because it’s so extreme.
This is not normal.
A normal British summer is 25, not in the 30s let alone high 30s or even 40.
It’s very concerning. We are in a climate emergency and people SHOULD be worried and talking about it.

We should not normalise this.

It’s bizarre to compare the current UK weather to other countries where this heat is normal. We are in the UK and this is not our usual weather by any stretch of the imagination. We should be concerned for our children’s future.

Whilst im fed up with the general moaning about the weather. I also agree with this point in terms of being concerned for the future.

ForeverDelayedEpiphany · 23/06/2026 22:42

I learned a new thing today about wet bulb temperature, and how humidity really affects the body's ability to cool down effectively in extreme heat, and if it's too humid, people can cool down less easily - essentially the risk of serious illness or death is higher.

So yes. It isn't a good thing to be too hot for vulnerable groups, or people who work in a job or environment that might exacerbate the adverse effects of extreme heat.

I also think the UK as a whole isn't geared up in terms of air conditioning, white washed buildings, and ways of getting respite (siesta etc). I get terrible migraines if I get overly hot, which of course is prolonged by the heat - being cool helps recover.

Hot weather in the Mediterranean or Death Valley... bearable with air con. In the UK, maybe not so much.

sittingonabeach · 23/06/2026 22:41

@GoneWithTHeWindJammers aren’t you clever

TheMimsy · 23/06/2026 22:41

@Freshtona I agree that sensible precautions help, but it’s worth remembering that extreme heat isn’t just about being uncomfortable.

For many older people, disabled adults, and those with long-term health conditions or certain medications, heatwaves can become a genuine health risk. Some people don’t recognise they’re overheating, struggle to stay hydrated, or have medical conditions that make it harder for their bodies to cope with high temperatures.

Every year, periods of extreme heat are linked to increased hospital admissions and deaths, particularly among older and vulnerable people. Most of us can manage by drinking more, seeking shade, and taking things a bit easier, but not everyone has the same ability to do that.

Taking sensible precautions is absolutely the right approach, but recognising that some members of our community are at greater risk isn’t being hysterical, it’s simply being aware and looking out for one another.

I manage a community centre and we run lunch clubs etc which are often the main social event for some isolated elderly residents and I worry about folks that are attending and the effort making them ill and equally worry about those not there.

I’ve bumped into one of the ladies that attends today and she said that whilst getting her hearing aid repaired in town she became really ill - the staff had to arrange a taxi home as she couldn’t remember her street name, full name etc. They had her records and other home and contacted her daughter. She’d stayed hydrated, gone out early etc but the heat was just too much for her.

Give folks a little grace. It will be over soon.

JustinesGraspingAvarice · 23/06/2026 22:40

lovecotswoldsliving · 23/06/2026 22:40

And….

She's still alive! An excellent result all round.

Terfedout · 23/06/2026 22:40

I totally agree OP! Complete hysteria. Probably the same people who moan when it's too cold/ when is summer coming, etc 😊

Excepting people who are older and/or with health conditions of course, who I hope stay safe and well this week x

lovecotswoldsliving · 23/06/2026 22:40

GoneWithTHeWindJammers · 23/06/2026 22:38

I am in my late 60s. I went for a walk this afternoon and didn't die.

And….

RubyFatball · 23/06/2026 22:38

Not sure if “tin hate brigade” is a typo but it’s absolutely genius

I for one am pleasantly warm and I live in a red warning zone. Kids are boiling at school, and old people will be too.

What will make me spontaneously combust is if one more anonymous person on Facebook “announces” to the local group about dog walking “in this heat”. I simply can’t bear it any longer.

GoneWithTHeWindJammers · 23/06/2026 22:38

I am in my late 60s. I went for a walk this afternoon and didn't die.

PinkCatCushion · 23/06/2026 22:37

It’s because it’s so extreme.
This is not normal.
A normal British summer is 25, not in the 30s let alone high 30s or even 40.
It’s very concerning. We are in a climate emergency and people SHOULD be worried and talking about it.

We should not normalise this.

It’s bizarre to compare the current UK weather to other countries where this heat is normal. We are in the UK and this is not our usual weather by any stretch of the imagination. We should be concerned for our children’s future.

MarieAntoinetteQueenOfFrance · 23/06/2026 22:36

sittingonabeach · 23/06/2026 21:51

@MarieAntoinetteQueenOfFrance why do you think people die prematurely now?

I think it's lots of reasons.
One of the key factors is the way modern medicine works & deth is recorded. Another is people not adapting and taking necessary steps to protect themselves. Then there are the homes that aren't built to keep the heat out. Air-conditioning is great, but it won't allow the body adjust to he heat and so on.

FishersGate · 23/06/2026 22:34

Squishymama · 23/06/2026 22:20

Yes but it’s a red warning because they’ve said it is, if they said a red warning was 28 degrees would you still be worried, because “they” told you to be?

Tin hate brigade has arrived. Still at least it reflects the sunlight back !

SheilaWilde · 23/06/2026 22:33

Dollymylove · 23/06/2026 22:30

Aye, A do 😅

Exactly! Anyone North of the border needs to declare themselves on heatwave threads. The South is fixking hot.

cupfinalchaos · 23/06/2026 22:33

Helpless0190 · 23/06/2026 20:30

I work in a kitchen. Today it hit 46 degrees in there. Countless people work in jobs where they are stuck in dangerously high temperatures. It is not hysteria.

We ate out tonight and I was frightened to order fish as I know how hot it gets in kitchens.

FishersGate · 23/06/2026 22:32

hairbearbunches · 23/06/2026 20:53

You quite agree, do you? What do you class as a real heatwave then? Because I’m telling you now that 1976’s endless 32 degrees was way more bearable than 39 degrees now, even for just 3 days.

You keep your coat on tomorrow and see what heat stroke feels like.

Exactly 👏

Stressmummy12 · 23/06/2026 22:32

Specialneedsnightmare · 23/06/2026 20:46

A coat!?! Really??

She’s being a dick clearly

Arlanymor · 23/06/2026 22:32

Noodleschicken · 23/06/2026 22:30

Oh a real heat wave is when steam comes out of your ears - like in the cartoons -
all this burning your bottom on a scorching car seat, and leaving your ring off as it will get stuck on swollen fingers - all this is just the warm up.

😆When Snoopy goes INTO his kennel then you know that we are all seriously fucked!

SheilaWilde · 23/06/2026 22:31

Squishymama · 23/06/2026 22:20

Yes but it’s a red warning because they’ve said it is, if they said a red warning was 28 degrees would you still be worried, because “they” told you to be?

By ‘they’ I assume you mean the Met Office. The second most trusted organisation that predicts weather conditions? They don’t issue ‘red’ warnings for a laugh. 28 degrees isn’t a ‘risk to life’.

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