The Hottest Summer

It's a blazing 32 C (90 F) in Kiev with many more hot days ahead and quite a few already behind us. The next few days will probably see quite a few records broken. Chances are high that 2010 will be the hottest summer in recorded history.

The head of Ukraine's meteorologic service stated in a press conference that the rest of the summer would continue to see above-average temps. Furthermore, during the past 20 years average summer temperatures have risen 1.3 to 1.7 C, while winter temperatures have risen 2 to 2.5 C.

If you talk to adults, they'll tell you of colder winters in the past with more stable snow cover over much of the country. Also, springs and autumns were supposedly longer.

The head weatherman attributes the warming trend to Global Warming (duh).

Tips for dealing with the hot weather

1. Carry drinking water around with you. As you know, Ukraine is not exactly known for its plentiful drinking fountains.
2. Take kupe (2nd class) instead of platzkart (3rd class) during train trips. Kupe is usually air-conditioned.
3. Carry around a rag with you that you can use to wipe yourself off or dip in water to cool your skin.
4. Wear less clothes (duh).
5. Wear a straw hat or carry a sun umbrella.
6. Walk slowly and allow yourself more time to get from place to place.
7. Tape reflective wrap to windows that receive direct sunlight