HAVING arrived back from holiday, I was surprised to find that when I got off the plane at Gatwick I was greeted by the familiar feeling that you get when you go abroad – heat!

Yes, the majority of England has been blessed (some would argue otherwise) with scorching weather this past week, and weather reporters promise that temperatures will continue to rise for the foreseeable future.

When we experienced the storms and floods this year, I wrote about how weather is our nation’s favourite subject – whether good or bad, we love to talk about the it.

Now, the situation remains the same. I’ve listened to countless people moaning about how due to the weather it is too hot in their office now, how they can’t get anything done in the heat… The list is endless.

Although I do find it amusing how the topic of weather dominates every conversation I am having at the moment, I sympathise with these people.

We live in a nation that’s not exactly used to having temperatures in the mid-30 degrees – so when it hits us, we’re bound to have some problems.

I’m not saying we should all drown ourselves in factor 50 sun-cream, but I do think it is important to keep yourself and others safe in this hot weather – especially when you’re sunning yourself on Weymouth beach!

If you’re lucky enough to have time off during the heat wave, remember to keep yourself protected when your’re in the sun .

Keep cool by avoiding going out in the hottest part of the day (11am-3pm).

Failing that, wear loose, cool clothing and smear yourself with sun cream.

However, for the less lucky (including me) who are working during the heat, try to keep your office cool with fans and gulp down cold drinks regularly to keep you hydrated.

I’m stating the obvious, but these basic things can easily be forgotten and the next thing you know, you’re the colour of salmon-pink from being out in the sun for far too long!

So, enjoy the heat whilst it lasts – goodness knows we’ll all be talking about it when it changes next!