Britain's hottest July day on record

The title says its all. We've just survived the hottest July day on record here in Britain. It was 36 degrees in London.

Whilst it doesn't sound all that hot from Australian standards let me say that here in the UK they just are geared up for this heat. The airconditioning in the buildings is overloaded. The tube was around 40 degrees (I'm sure the heaters were on in the train!). Kids were even encouraged not to turn up for school (again - the class rooms are sweltering as they don't have any cooling).

I left work early this afternoon. Mostly to avoid the crush at peak on the tube. It get absolutely packed and with this heat the air is stifling and bodies jammed against each other. Not pleasant!

Leaving the tube at Paddington I boarded the overload train to Windsor (usually about a 45 min journey). The air conditioning in the carriage was overloaded and continuously shut down. You can imagine the sauna! And with the heat the drivers are advised to slow to half speed. Not sure why. Perhaps because of concerns that the tracks may buckle? This slow down caused large spread delays on all lines. So the trip home was an adventure.

When I got home we joined Gary and his kids and headed off to Batchelor's Acre for a play in the water fountain. The kids enjoyed running through the water and chasing each other. We were happy to sit back and enjoy a cold beer.

The fountain switches off at 7:00pm so from there Merrilyn, James and I headed off to the Long Walk for a lovely alfresco picnic. There was the beginning of a cool breeze so it was very pleasant.

Following that we walked to the Castle to watch the boom gates and bollards. Talking to a policeman guarding the Castle he suggested James ask the bollards to go down. Of course he did (with his best manners) and magically they lowered (he holds a remote control to allow the traffic through). James was rather impressed with himself!

Weather over the outlook is around 30 degrees. Who said English weather was rubbish?!?