Isn't it nice to get a prolonged spell of hot weather?
After what seems a long run of cool wet summers it's so nice to enjoy the garden without blooms being battered by wind and rain. I don't think I've seen roses looking this good since about 2005.
The current heatwave, however, does come with its downside. For some people the intense heat makes it difficult to be outside for too long.
Spare a thought and consider landscapers and professional gardeners, who have to earn their living, whatever the weather.
Normally we are sympathising with outdoor workers because they have to endure cold and wet weather, or perhaps long periods of snow and ice preventing them from earning their crust.
Not only does this heat reduce productivity but it's also a serious hazard to health. Spending all day outside under normal circumstances is a great relief from the constant battering of wind and rain but when temperatures of near 30C have to be endured day after day for several weeks it can take its toll. It is also a serious danger to health
Level 3 heatwave warning
The Met Office has issued a level 3 heatwave warning - the highest is heatwave level is 4 - for many parts of southern England today. North west England is also currently classified as a level 3 heatwave.
The Met Office say the heat will drop slightly over this coming weekend but there's a high probability of level 3 being reached again next week.
If you are employing a gardener I'm sure you expect them to deliver a high quality service for the entire time of their visit. Naturally you want value for your hard earned money but please do spare a though for those working outside.
I'm sure a regular cold drink would be appreciated but the also offer of a regular short break would be a good idea too. Conscientious professionals might normally be reluctant to be seen resting when they ought to be working but if you made them aware that you feel it's important for them to take precautions to protect their health, they will feel better about it.
The NHS has issued level 3 heatwave advice. The HSE has issued heatwave advice to those working outside in hot weather.
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