1976 - 2026

As we melt in yet another heatwave, there are many references in the press to the long, hot summer of 1976 - exactly 50 years ago. But how similar are these two summers?

This year’s hot summer has reminded us both vividly of 1976. We both have lots of memories of this year: family events, the clothes, friends, music and especially the weather! We grew up at opposite ends of the country so our recollections are somewhat different.

Lindsey

I remember 1976 so clearly, it was the year my (much older!) sister got married. Debbie insisted that I kept my very long hair, which I was desperate to have cut short, so that I could wear it in a very elaborate “up do”. We also wore long, heavy dresses with long sleeves and high necks. The whole day was simply torture. As the wedding was towards the end of August I’d already endured weeks of clothes shopping and wedding preparation. After the wedding, Mum, Dad and I went off to Pembrokeshire for some much needed recovery time. So, it was here that the long, hot summer weather broke, with spectacular thunderstorms. I remember the relief. I’m definitely not a hot weather person!

1976 wedding style

Visiting Haweswater in the Lake District and seeing the remains of Mardale Green, the village that was lost when the valley was flooded to create the reservoir, was quite surreal. I’ve never seen it since.

Haweswater - almost empty

Chris

Although the temperatures have been a little higher this year, the heat has been more bearable. In 1976 the heat was unrelenting. There was no possibility of respite by going for a drive in air conditioned car or popping into Philip Larkin's 'large cool store' - a phrase that had to be explained to us in 1976.

Revising for my exams on the south coast in 1976, as the temperatures hit 90 degrees, was torture and great fun in equal measure. During spare time we would all stroll to the beach and enjoy the breeze. There was also the sight of millions of ladybirds washed up on the high tide line. The extreme weather had led to a plague of ladybirds and they got everywhere - indoors and out.

1976

2026 - spot the difference    

Today we have the first rain for several weeks. I wonder what the rest of the summer has in store for us, as Chris has just said “we’re not there yet!”