Sunny Spoiler: Reasons Why I Don't Like The Heatwave

Photo by Lorna Kellett

Britain is collectively excited about the record warm weather. Authorities say that last Monday was the hottest March 26thon record- and that the possible highs of up to 21 degrees Celsius will continue until tomorrow. But will the weekend’s return to drizzle be such a bad thing?

In that typically British tradition of complaining, I’m dedicating this blog post to just a couple of reasons why sunshine is not always great.

11. With hordes of people swarming to the nearest grassy area to picnic merrily amongst the daffodils, we can expect the aftermath: rubbish. Lots of it. Selfish litterbugs wandering back home again once the sun’s gone in, leaving behind a scattering of beer cans, paper plates and leftover sausage rolls. According to official figures, the yearly amount of litter dropped in the UK has increased by 500% since the 1960’s. Most of this is food and drink related rubbish, and now the rat population of Britain is estimated as 60 million- and rising. Basically, there are nearly as many rats as people. Aside from this, it’s just no fun going for walks in the country or on the beach when you have to avoid broken glass and the occasional rogue Ginsters wrapper blowing in your face.

22.  Flesh. Everywhere.  As pretty as the blossom trees waving merrily in the summer breeze are, indecently dressed people are the opposite. The sun coming out sends us into a flurry of panic: we wave bye-bye to hats, scarves and wool and out come the sunglasses, flip-flops and skimpy clothing. What makes people think that just because it’s not raining, that makes it socially acceptable to dress like you’re on your way to audition for an “adult” film? It’s also prime time for people to sizzle themselves in an attempt to tan. A study published in December 2011 estimated that around 86% of malignant melanomas in the UK (equivalent to around 3.5% of all cancers) are linked to excessive exposure to sunlight and use of sunbeds. Put it away, love.

If the above two reasons weren’t enough for you, check out my (poor quality) video. Salford University students accidentally set a skip (full of alcohol bottles, empty deodorant cans and who knows what else) on fire last night when someone didn’t think to put out a disposable BBQ before binning it. 

What about the sun gets you scorched?  Comment below or tweet @lornakellett.