Extremes

Having sizzled for days we are now drowning in rain. It all seems very strange.

When we went along to the club on Thursday, a very hot day, we were surprised by what we saw. Now that we are in school holiday season, the promenade is usually heaving with people. We expect it, but not so on Thursday. The previous day there had been plenty of advice in all media on how to keep cool on what was expected to be the hottest July day ever. People were clearly heeding the advice. There was hardly a soul on the prom. We expected to see people stretched out on the sands or paddling in river/sea but there can’t have been more than a dozen people to be seen. It was quieter than even a winter half day closing afternoon. Most strange.

Now we have the alternative. Thursday evening turned into thunderstorms. It doesn’t seemed to have stopped since. There may not be the electricity around, no forks of lightning or rolls of thunder, but there is plenty of rain. The gardens desperately needed it. It’s a relief to not have to remember to water the pots at the moment. Everywhere looks very wet. I wouldn’t be surprised if now the problem in some places isn’t flooding.