I find warming up easier, whereas I struggle to cool down, even in shorts and a T-shirt, or no shirt (which I don't like doing in public).

As an aside, it's not yet been as hot as 2012

Don't we always wish for something we haven't got and then moan about it when we get it!  I'd forgotten just how wearing hot days can be, or maybe it's an age thing because I don't remember ever wishing it were not quite so hot, especially after wishing for a long hot summer. 

Since July started I don't think we've had a day that hasn't reached between 28 and 31c.  Last week we had a brief thunder storm but it didn't clear the air.  It's too hot to spend time in the garden and it's even opressive in the shade.  I know some places haven't had this heat but would like it and I'd be jealous if some places had it and I missed out, but I could really do with it turning down a couple of degrees now before I'm totally worn out. 

Eh? You've lost me there, Andy. I struggle to recall much if any warm, let alone hot, weather during last summer.

Agree 100%. It's certainly interesting weather and fascinating to read the model discussion but it's ruining my summer activities and I will be very glad when it all breaks down. My ideal shorts and t-shirt summer's day is around 21C with a gentle breeze.

In Sardinia a few years ago in the late autumn there was some beautiful early autumn weather - sunshine, 20C and dropping only a few degrees at night. All the locals were going around in coats and jackets because they thought this was cold. Well, compared to their summer, it was but it was just great for us.

Good to see the power of British moaning in full flow

In the end, we have no control over what we get so moaning is purely therapy I guess

As for the heat and its effects, its obviously harder to work outside in those conditions but its also difficult in rain. My wife would agree with this as she is a gardener.

My job means I work in an office building which has aircon during the day so day shifts are no issue. Sleeping in the heat is not that difficult if you invest in a wall fan and take other precautions to keep your bedroom cool.....and the advice about cooling your wrists is spot on 

Apparently hanging cold wet/damp towels around the home encourages cool air flow. Not sure how that works mind you if it actually does work.

1 or 2 really hot days 90+ is o.k . when you work outside for days on end in high temps it is different to doing a little exercise and then entering an aircon builing for the rest of the day. when younger i worked south of merced in central california. seemingly endless 100+ days. i said to a bloke from england when i first arruived , i expect you get used to it . no , he said . our average sort of summer day in england 72 degrees and a breeze is very pleasant, this for too long is a drudge . i pity the poor people crammed into hot trains and tubes round london. it must take some sticking.

Of course there is never any moaning here from hot and cold lovers where conditions are not extreme for weeks on end but I must chip in about therapy when next a Bartlett High looms

I live in a farming area and this weather is not being welcomed with open arms here. It brings back memories for me of my '76 summer job of bale carting and stacking. My fluid intake seemed near permanent and after each cartload virtually passing out under the yard tap with all clothing soaked, ready for the next one. Things have changed since then but it's not all about sitting in air conditoned cabs.

On a plus point, it's good for archaeological crop marks, so that might be some recompense for being fried and dehydrating from digging holes for Roman roads while this weather continues.

Nitpick: 32.2C is only 89.96F  

I googled 90F in C and it said 32.22222C.

Were they multiplyin'?

We've had the ceiling fan on through the night the past week or so, with the windows open. That's all I need. But then, I tend to have a sit outside for 15-20 mins before going to bed, and that cools me down so I'm not all sweaty when I do turn in.

But hey, a bit of a warmer-than-ideal sleep time is a tiny price to pay for this glorious summer weather. May it last all through August, too!

Andy (Essan) would be proud of you

Tomorrow looks a bit unpleasant here - hardly any wind and likely the hottest day so far. I don't mind the high 20's as long as there's a nice breeze, makes sitting out in it more bearable. 

Today min and max was 17.6C to 33.8C.