Some say the inhabitants of these isles talk about the meteorological outlook a lot. We do. Our weather is famously changeable, so there is always something to natter about.
This last week, it has been all about the heatwave. It’s been sweaty, uncomfortable, and thoroughly tiring—and this particular scorcher happened to coincide with the longest week on our shift pattern. Consequently, I’ve endured long, hot days at work with precious little let-up. Air conditioning isn't universal here, except in cars, so we've all been perspiring profusely, enduring sweaty bits, and struggling to sleep. The scientists say this is going to be more 'normal' in the future. Perhaps investing in the air-con industry would be a clever plan?
The other major event dominating the landscape is the football happening over in North America at the moment. I’m not a football person, so the vast majority of this is sailing clean over my bald head. It is all anyone is talking about, especially at work. I wish everyone’s team well, but to save us all a bit of time, here are the answers to the inevitable questions:
- No, I didn't see last night's match.
- I have zero knowledge of the people or teams you are talking about.
- I have absolutely no opinion on tonight's or tomorrow's match.
Enjoy your sport, folks. Mine starts very soon. The Tour de France is here in just a few days.
The spirit of the Urban Viking—and the occasional absurdity of navigating the modern world—lives on in my webcomic, Northman. 
You can read the latest chapter here:
I must say that I have thoroughly enjoyed our little heatwave and have experienced zero problems with sleeping. On two or three occasions I have walked round the block in the early hours just to enjoy the cool of the night. On Ecclesial Road South I saw not one or two but three urban foxes hurrying across. Fortunately, they did not gang up together and try to eat me.
ReplyDeleteWorking through it wasn't great. And apparently there's more to come.
DeleteIt's going up to 100º+F (38º+C) just in time for the 4th of July. I think this might put a damper on the celebrations, esp. since those temps tend to produce sudden and violent thunderstorms here. Rain on Trump's parade, I hope.
ReplyDeleteKeep cool, hope your celebrations manage not not end up as sweaty messes.
DeletePS: Soccer, as we call it, holds no interest for us. (Fun Fact: The American word soccer is actually an obsolete British name for the game.) But le Tour, THAT is exciting sport!
ReplyDeleteWhen I was a lad, if we couldn't find a ball we played the game with my brother's hamster Roly-Poly.
DeleteHamsters literally have 1,001 uses.
DeleteSoccer is an abbreviation of Association Football.
DeleteTry to stay as cool as you can! Central Canada is having a heatwave too but here in Western Canada it's cool and rainy. A gazillion mosquitoes though.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad we don't get the mozzies although with the climate changes they'll probably come in the next few years.
DeleteHere in Sweden we had a very hot week at the end of June too, but it didn't last as long as it has further south in Europe - and didn't *quite* reach the same highs either. Far too hot for my liking, though, and I'm drawing a sigh of relief that it has gone back to more normal now. Even if in the next few days that will probably include quite a bit of rain instead... (But we need that!)
ReplyDeleteI was relieved when the temperatures dropped to more normal levels. Apparently the next heatwave is on it's way.
DeleteHere in Montreal, Canada we are experiencing high heat 🥵 and humidity in this heat wave and I am doing my best to stay cool and safe. This type of heat is very hard for me.
ReplyDeleteI've been working through it all which hasn't been a great experience.
DeleteI get it! Please stay hydrated and safe. Drink plenty of water and stay out of the heat as much as you can.
Delete