Mad Dogs and Englishmen?

Predictable media excitement surrounds the likelihood of UK record temperatures next week. The issuing of a level 4 ('red') warning for the heat has, however, caused some debate. Level 4 means there is a possibility of death, even in relatively young and fit people (https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/jul/15/the-guardian-view-on-july-weather-here-comes-the-dangerously-hot-sun). Clearly, the effects of elevated temperatures are currently even more extreme in many other countries, with water shortages and wildfires being common. These countries have also had to deal with temperatures, higher than those generally seen in the UK, for decades. A Conservative MP, no doubt of the 'Health and Safety Has Gone Mad Brigade!', has opined that the level 4 warning is completely unnecessary. His argument is based on the observation that, many Brits traditionally go on holiday to hotter regions. He thinks that people will take 'natural precautions'. One can make two obervations. Firstly, many poorer people in the UK will not have routinely flown to hot locations. At one stage, the Covid19 pandemic stopped most people travelling for several years. Secondly, humans are creatures of habit. Brits may well operate differently, when in Spain, Portugal or India. Most people, however, are not accustomed to dealing with 40 degree Centigrade temperatures in England. It's been pointed out that, for some, travelling the English roads in a car next Monday/Tuesday, will be 'like riding in a mobile microwave'. Brits must also become aware that the precautions against heatstroke that worked on their previous foreign holidays, may now have become inadequate. Prolonged bouts of extreme temperature have also become more frequent in these locations. The advice and warnings associated with level 4 for excessive heat, seem wholly proportionate and appropriate. There is likely to be some risky and inappropriate behaviour.