In a nutshell, we are overdue a 1976-style Summer - mind you, that one was more noted for the prolonged dryness rather than heat records. But I guess we are at this time of the year where hopes and expectations are high for the summer when it usually ends up being a crushing let down, a bit like come Autumn we start hoping we go onto a 1947-style winter.
But I think I'm missing the point of this thread. Yes, I do think a 40 C will be breached before 2020 but in the form of a short-lived blink-and-you'd-miss-it event, and then go onto becoming a near-yearly event most summers by 2040. I'd be in my 70's by then, more older and grumpier than I am.
Originally Posted by: idj20