'We just enjoyed every minute' - Blackpool Gazette readers compare recent heatwave to summers past

As much of the UK experiences another spell of hot weather, Blackpool Gazette readers have been reflecting on how the recent temperatures compare with the summers they remember from 20 years ago – and, for many, the legendary heatwave of 1976.

The question, posed on the Blackpool Gazette's social media channels, prompted a wide range of responses, with some readers insisting today's weather is no different from decades gone by, while others believe modern summers are becoming noticeably hotter and more humid.

The latest warm spell has seen temperatures climb into the high 20s and low 30s in parts of England, with health alerts issued in some areas as authorities urge people to take precautions in the heat.

Comparisons have inevitably been drawn with the summer of 1976, which remains one of the UK's most memorable heatwaves. That year brought weeks of exceptionally dry weather, prolonged high temperatures and widespread drought conditions, leaving reservoirs depleted and prompting water restrictions across parts of the country.

For some readers, however, the biggest difference is not the weather itself but the attention it receives.

Mark Murphy said: "Same of course. Just more news."

James Boyd New shared a similar view, commenting: "The way they scaremongers go on you'd think we had never experienced this or been abroad on holiday."

Others looked back fondly on childhood summers, remembering long days spent outdoors without worrying about the heat.

Rachel Murray said: "We didn’t complain we just enjoyed every minute."

Fiona Ashworth recalled spending entire days at Blackpool's open-air pool.

She said: "Was hot in the 70s but never moaned, was at the open air pool from the time it opened till closing with packed sandwiches and drinks for the day. If it got too hot on the sun terraces... there was always the ice water for a cool off or the upstairs terrace. The season tickets were also a good deal and most of the people who went each day you knew. It was a fabulous place to go."

Some readers felt the current heat is more intense than they remember.

Rebecca Louise Thompson-Nash said: "Much worse, much hotter."

Ann Clarke commented: "I think its a bit hotter than 1976 when I was 16."

Sarah Venn wrote: "Heatwave when I did my GCSEs but I could sit out and revise. If I sit out now I feel like I’m being cooked!"

Brenda Foster added: "Worse now as I’m 71 sat out in it years ago no problem."

Several readers also pointed to higher humidity and changing weather patterns.

Mateo Sandford said: "Hotter now with increased humidity, wasn't regularly getting near 30 degrees when I was growing up, was 20-25 degrees at best. Definitely getting warmer as the records show."

Terry Robinson commented: "The stats show records have been broken…the 1976 stretch of warm weather that some sceptics keep referring to was more about the length of time without rain and it being warm also...it put us into drought. The climate deniers would still be denying if their homes were self-combusting..."

Others suggested that while Britain has experienced similar temperatures before, the country remains ill-equipped to cope with prolonged hot weather.

Louise Rice said: "Much hotter this year but we don’t prepare well in this country for the heat. Not much air conditioning around."

Not everyone believed this summer had surpassed previous heatwaves.

Steven Mcquade said: "About the same as many, but not as continuously hot as in '76."

Janet Dixon added: "Yes it’s hot but let’s see how long it lasts!"

And, as often happens during a British heatwave, there was also room for humour.

Lewis JN joked: "It’s so hot I tripped over a camel."

While opinions differed on whether today's summers are hotter than those of previous decades, readers were united in recalling the memorable summers of years gone by, with the summer of 1976 continuing to serve as the benchmark against which every new heatwave is measured.