You know the phrase...be careful what you wish for?
If you are a U.K. resident, who looks for some sunshine each summer, it looks as if things are going your way this year.
Not just one small heatwave, but several.
They haven`t covered the whole country, but the south and mid England seem to have reached the highest temperatures.
Regardless of the various theories regarding the cause of climate change, it is well and truly here, and has been manifesting itself in different ways around the world.
Extreme temperature changes, melting glaciers, storms, rising sea levels, wild fires, flooding, and volcanic eruptions to mention a few.
Unfortunately none of these are welcome, as they can cause enormous damage and loss of life.
That includes the extra heat, as although it sounds wonderful, and taken in small doses can be very beneficial, it does have a few disadvantages.
Obviously having sunshine makes everything feel better.
More of life can be spent out of doors, such as eating outside, playing sport, swimming and camping.
Gardens look good and insects and wild life seem to enjoy the heat too.
THE YEAR OF THE HEATWAVES!
Without sounding like a complete killjoy, the longer a heatwave goes on and the higher the temperatures become, the more the negative aspects creep in.
This year it started on the continent which is normally used to hot summers, but with temperatures soaring well into into the forties, it made life uncomfortable for both local people and holiday makers alike.
SUNSHINE NECESSITIES!
Many areas issue health warnings to keep out of direct sunlight, protect skin and keep well hydrated.
In the UK, it is still a bit of a novelty to have wall to wall sunshine on a daily basis, and some people tend to not pay attention to these recommendations. The result can be skin damage, sunstroke and dehydration and even death.
It is particularly important that children and anyone with a health issue are suitably protected.
THE DOWNSIDES:
WATER LEVELS EVAPORATING:
If there is no rain, then water levels start to evaporate.
Reservoirs which provide water to communities can become low very quickly.
This impacts on daily life, as households use an enormous amount of water each day, such as for showering, washing machines, car washing, plant watering and in some gardens a swimming pool.
Restrictions may have to be issued which generally don`t go down well with the public.
Farmers, whilst appreciating good weather for much of their work, also require some rain.
If the ground becomes too dry, crops will not grow.
CROPS DO NOT GROW:
This not only impacts on their financial livelihoods, but also stunts grass which is required for animal grazing.
It all adds up to affecting food costs, for example, if grain has not grown well, there will be a shortage, and the cost of bread and related cereal products will go up.
GRASS AND FOREST FIRES:
There is always an increase of grass and forest fires during hot weather.
The causes can be varied, but unfortunately most fires are started through carelessness.
With eating out of doors, disposable BBQs and camp fires may not be properly extinguished.
These fires do an enormous amount of damage and destroy wildlife, vegetation and trees, not to mention putting fire fighters and other lives at risk.
In hot weather our energy costs decrease. However some people find it difficult trying to sleep in the heat so it does not agree with everyone.
On balance this year, it has meant that anyone staying in the UK for their summer holidays will for once have lovely warm weather.
The continent is just too hot in many areas, and also the cost of foreign holidays is rising.
Make the most of it, as there is no guarantee that next summer will be so hot, but it does look as if climate change will notch up a few degrees higher in the UK, so we should be preparing for it now.
Enjoy the sunshine responsibly and the positive input it brings. Look after skin, drink plenty of fluids, keep out of strong sunlight and get plenty of rest.
Having sunshine means vitamin D is absorbed by the body which is essential for regulating calcium levels necessary for strong bones and teeth, and also has a positive effect on the immune system.
Good weather can be beneficial for our mental health.
Being out of doors more, we increase our oxygen levels, and often exercise more by walking and sport. We produce more serotonin which is mood lifting, and often social activity is greater which helps with people interaction.
If the high temperatures on the continent continue each year, there may be a possibility of role reversal and Europeans will want to come to the UK to escape the heat, and Brits will stay at home!
In the UK we may be lucky, climate change may increase sunshine hours, but still give us an acceptable level of rainfall,
This could be a game changer for many things such as growing different crops and help to boost our economy in a number of ways.
Only time will tell how we meet these challenges ahead.
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