Why is everyone losing their mind about 28 degrees?

[Vipersgonnavipe]

All I have seen online today are calls for schools to shut, activities to be called off, and some sort of national emergency to be declared over a few hot days.

3 years ago we got to 40 degrees where I am, and nothing closed. What’s the madness about this time?

I agree that schools should not be mithering on about blazers, and water should be available, and sports day in full sun is probably foolish. But really, closing?

40 degrees? You mustn't live in the UK, OP.

The problem is that us in the UK just aren't used to high temperatures and when they do arrive it blindsides us. Most UK homes don't have air-conditioning and we have to make do with fans.

I wouldn't close the schools but they should do more to make things more comfortable for students.

We had a client call the office yesterday to tell us he couldn't get to destination because all the trains has been cancelled due to the heat 😶

Can't edit my earlier post for some reason.

I've just read that parts of the UK HAVE hit 40 degrees in the past!! Brutal. I'd spontaneously combust.

It hasn’t even been that hot yet. Late 20s in most of the country, but admittedly creeping up to early 30s over the next few days, which is on the warm side. However, it never lasts for long and I’m sure that most healthy people can survive a few days! It’s obviously different for those with health issues/young babies/pregnant etc, and it can’t be nice for those with jobs such as chefs in hot kitchens.

The advice to open all windows early morning, when it’s cool, then close windows and curtains during the day, definitely works. My house is currently 7 degrees cooler than outside. People haven’t helped themselves with concreting/gravelling/fake grassing over gardens. It makes outside space feel warmer.

Wearing loose clothes in natural fibres helps. A floaty cotton dress is much cooler than tiny shorts and a vest top. Look at how other countries dress in the heat.

My family’s pyjamas are currently in the fridge in a ziplock bag. Really looking forward to putting them on this evening!

I find 24 uncomfortably hot. Suspect a lot of older women do.

Not this one.

Well I’m at work today pushing toddlers in a double buggy up and down hills (they are shaded and fanned) and it’s 31 degrees. I honesty want to throw up. A lot of how you cope in the heat depends on what you do! I feel like one of those poor tourist donkeys in Morocco (I am joking, I know they have it way worse)

Exactly this!!

I remember teachers taking us on the field and sitting under a tree on days like this - lovely memories.

Same here.

24 pissed me off in my 20s.

London hit that 3 years ago. It was fucking awful.

We were allowed to WFH but one of the days I HAD to go in. I Uber’d to work because the bus and Tube would have been the seventh circle of Hell. I had to walk 200m to a lunch meeting and the heat hitting me as I went through the foyer’s revolving door…sweet Jesus.

I had the misfortune of having to wait to cross the road as a bus was idling at the lights. The HEAT off of that thing combined with the 40? I was close to screaming.

For nights we’d pray for rain

I'm too hot.

My daughter and I went to the shops that afternoon. I kind of liked the heat.

But I remember walking into The Range and they were putting out the Autumn displays 😂😂 it was the 18th of July!

I’d just started a new nanny job and the mum took the day off from her own job to be at home as, in her own words, it would be inhumane to make anybody get on a train and commute to work and back in that heat.

Guess she thought I just flew there and back in an air conditioned private jet then instead of a Southern train and then the northern line 🤷🏻‍♀️😩

Those were a really tough couple of days.

Let's close everything for a few days! Except the lido... I fancy a swim.

I’ve just been for a swim in the river. It was lovely.

I live in an area of the world where 38° is normal summer temperature. Nothing closes. Everything is as normal. We are not weird, how bizarre to suggest so

Maybe I'm being radical but I'd ban artificial grass and the ubiquitous paving over of gardens, and provide incentives for all homeowners to plant as many trees as possible.

Even grass absorbs more heat than tarmac, but trees are ideal for shade and air circulation.

(I'd also ration flying).

This is what climate change looks like :(

And yes before anyone asks, I do practise what I preach, 100%.

30s on the warm side 😂

Excellent. I do.

We had a top floor office (5th) with 3 glass walls - 1960s build, no aircon. We just cooked in the summer and froze in the winter. I'd try to start early and finish early. It was not pleasant. But we did have a marvellous view of the coast and could see the rain before it arrived!

30s on the warm side

And this nonsense is why I love MNs!

We wouldn't be British if we didn't regularly moan about the weather being too hot, too cold, too wet, too dry.
I totally understand schools closing. It must be horrible for them all sitting in class rooms, the majority don't have air con and uniform isn't the most comfy plus I doubt the students are drinking enough water.

Me too…..🫣

I couldn't agree more.

I read an article the other day that said that moss was also good for the environment as it absorbs carbon and other pollutants.