Harry's Blog

You coping okay, drinking plenty of water, sat in a cool environment? Good. Just wanted to make sure you're alright given the baking weather here in the UK today. This part of the country can expect temperatures of 34 degrees today, with tomorrow being even hotter. I've just been into the centre of Brentwood and I just felt like I was standing too close to a fire.

The reason for the trip was to purchase the pictured tower fan. We've a few regular fans around the flat but I wanted something that had a wider spread. I have been struggling to work here from home with the heat and my PC temperatures have been getting dangerously high.

This isn't just a case of comfort. I work from home and I need my PC to remain happy. I also need to keep cool so I can get any work done. Alas I don't enjoy the air conditioning many of you do in your office.

I've a few links to share with you. Firstly there's a page of sensible advice on BBC Online to help you cope with the heat. Meanwhile The Times is reporting the story of a swimmer trying to tackle the Thames from its source to the sea, he's had to walk the first 19 miles due to a lack of river water. Sky News reports that gritters are being used on roads to help prevent surfaces melting.

The Guardian reports the Met Office is predicting that there is a 30 percent chance of the temperature in the UK exceeding the current national record of 38.5C (101F) which occurred in Faversham in Kent in 2003. The record is more likely to be broken in Cambridgeshire or Bedfordshire which are close enough to London to pick up some of its rising heat, but far enough from the coasts to not receive sea breezes.

Whereever you are in the UK look after yourself, drink plenty fo water and don't get burnt.