bringmesunshine

It was more of a 1975 than a 1976, more of a 1990 than a 1995, more of a 2003 than a 2018. So, very good but not quite outstanding

In both 1975 and 1976 there were what could be called 'breakdowns' in the middle of July. At almost exactly this date in 76 it turned thundery and relatively cool for about 10 days. Remember it well because it washed the ladybirds away. In 75 it was unsettled for about two weeks but in both years the heat returned for the final week of July and lasted for most of August. Not saying this will happen in 2018 but the similarities are fairly striking.

August 1976 was hot and sunny up till about the 27th (bank holiday weekend) when it turned very wet. July 1966 was unsettled with frequent thunderstorms. Quarter final day (Saturday 23rd) was hot and sunny but the weather in the week before the final was cool and wet. On the day itself there was a storm around midday. From footage of the teams coming out of the tunnel you can see the ground is still wet. The match was dry and the sun came out just before the end.

16 June a ten minute downpour. Before that May 30

Not sure why everyone is so down on this summer. We have the most interesting and varied climate in the world. For example in Birmingham for the last two days we have had light drizzle, but now and again we have had heavy drizzle. For most of the summer there has been dark, grey cloud overhead with occasional lighter grey clouds. And the temperatures have ranged from anything between 14 and 17 degrees. How much more variety do you want?

Careful now mushy lad, you're making frosty look like eeyore.

Almost forgot why I hardly ever post on here. Some people turn missing the point into an art form. I wasn't wishing the summer away and some of my favourite footballers are over 30. I was merely noting the difference between a morning in, say late June and one in late July - we have seasons within seasons, along with their different smells, sights and feelings and...oh, never mind

August does seem to throw up fewer hot spells these days (since 2003 maybe?). Those of us with longer memories can recall 1975, a very hot month, when the hottest day in test match history in England took place on the 4th. Not surprisingly that day coincided with cricket's first streaker, a rather chubby man who managed to leap over the stumps at the pavilion end.

I really do get what Mushy is on about re that early morning smell. No, summer isn't over but there's definitely a slight feeling of decay in the air, as if everything is just past it's best. The garden is looking a bit tatty and the flowers are starting to wilt (or perhaps that's just our garden). It's particularly noticeable after a long warm spell like we've just had (in Birmingham) but it hopefully doesn't mean that the shorts need to go away for another year.

Glad to have started an intelligent debate. Now I'm off to the pub dressed, rather rakishly,in my slacks, formal shirt and possibly cravat. Now where did I put my pipe?

Let me explain Gavin - I was trying to be lighthearted. Of course people can wear what they want to wear and of course some people look great in shorts- Mrs bringmesunshine for a start. Apologies for any offence caused. What was it Bob Monkhouse once said? 'everyone laughed when I said I wanted to be a comedian...they're not laughing now'.

Think you've missed the (meant to be humourous) point, Backtrack. I'm not against wearing summer clothes, but, honestly, what's wrong with some stylish beige slacks, open toed sandals and a nice fprmal shirt - with rolled up sleeves of course. I'm sure you look lovely today, but some don't.

There are already reports coming in of people wearing innapropriate shorts on the streets of Birmingham. Is it too late to appoint a 'summer clothes tzar' or should we follow Egypt's lead and instruct the military to enforce some dignity? Can't stand two weeks of wobbling white flesh.

Permission to retrieve sandals from behind wellies in under stairs cupboard, sah!