We have had heatwaves before and will certainly have them again in future but I detect an unusual note of alarm in official pronouncements about the current case.

Met Office forecast

This morning, the Met Office weather forecast app on my phone was displaying an “Amber warning of extreme heat”. Similarly, …

Email (part) from TfL

…Transport for London (TfL) has emailed to warn of likely disruption of public transport services because of high temperatures and to advise us if possible to avoid travelling next Monday and Tuesday.

Dry grass in the reservoir

Around 10 am this morning, it was relatively cool outside and so we took our usual stroll to Myddelton’s deli for coffee. A few days ago, I noticed that gardeners were cutting the grass in the reservoir in Claremont Square. Today, the grass is dried up and brown, like a hayfield after harvest.

Looking up Mylne Street from Myddelton Square

Blues skies and sunshine are usually a cause for rejoicing and today’s weather, by reflex, made me feel happy. It is concerning nonetheless because extreme weather can cause damage, shortages and even loss of life. (Among other effects, the NHS has warned of longer waiting times on call-out of emergency ambulances.)

My favourite tree

In Myddelton Square, I stopped to say hello to the Curvaceous Tree. (And no, I didn’t hear it say hello back – I’m not that obsessive… yet!)

No shade at the deli

As we approached the deli, we could see some shaded seats on the Lloyd Baker Street side (left in the picture) but before we could grab them, two other customers pipped us at the post. Grrr!

Myddelton Square Garden

We therefore resorted to Plan B which was to take our coffee to Myddelton Square Garden and find a bench in the shade. We were lucky to find one unoccupied.

A glance back on leaving

We sat here for some time, watching what was going on around us and telling one another about things we had done or seen while apart during the week. Then Tigger had a Proposition to make and off we went.

Chadwell Street

In pursuance of Tigger’s Proposition, we set off down Chadwell Street and went to a certain general store near its end.

Hers and…

…his!
Photos by Tigger

Yes, Tigger’s Proposition was to buy us an icecream each! With these in hand, we set off hot-foot (almost literally!) for home.

I rather think that will prove to be our sole venture into the outside world today and that we shall spend the rest of the day at home being wafted cool by our electric fans. We’ll spare a thought for those whose responsibilities mean that they have no choice but to remain out in the heat and make the best of it that they can.