The second group insist they're "loving every minute", despite looking suspiciously like a slowly melting candle.
Whichever camp you belong to, there are a few sensible things worth remembering when the weather becomes ridiculously hot.
By the time you feel thirsty, you're already becoming dehydrated.
Keep a bottle of water nearby and sip regularly throughout the day. If plain water bores you, add slices of lemon, cucumber or mint. Ice cubes made from fruit juice make things a little more interesting too.
Yes, your morning cup of tea is perfectly acceptable, but perhaps don't rely on eight mugs of builder's tea to get you through a 32°C afternoon.
It feels wrong.
Every instinct says open every curtain and every window.
Actually, during the hottest part of the day it's often better to keep curtains, blinds and windows closed on the sunny side of the house. You're trying to keep the heat out, not invite it in for afternoon tea.
Once the evening cools down, throw everything open and let nature do the air conditioning.
This is not the day for dark suits, heavy jumpers or anything involving wool.
Loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing lets air circulate and reflects the sun rather than absorbing it. Black may be trendy, but boy, dos it absorb heat.
And yes, sandals with socks are still unacceptable. Even in a heatwave.
A huge roast dinner followed by sticky toffee pudding may sound wonderful.
Until you've eaten it.
Cold salads, fruit, yoghurt and lighter meals are far kinder to your body when it's working overtime trying to keep cool. Perhaps make any beers shandy as the effect of beer might be stronger in the heat!
Watermelon deserves a special mention. It's almost entirely water and somehow manages to taste like summer itself.
Heat affects everyone differently, but older people, young children and those with health conditions can become unwell surprisingly quickly.
A quick phone call, a knock on the door or offering to pick up a few essentials can make a real difference.
Sometimes the smallest act of kindness is the most valuable.
Try placing your wrists under cold running water.
A damp flannel on the back of your neck works wonders.
Freeze a hot water bottle (only partly filled) and use it as a cooling pack.
Sleep with lightweight cotton bedding.
If you have a fan, place a bowl of ice in front of it for a surprisingly effective cooling breeze.
Mowing the lawn at midday - very British, but just NO!
Deciding today is the perfect day to decorate the conservatory.
Walking the dog on scorching pavements. Think of their paws and walk early, or very late and stick to grass if possible. There is usually a bowl of water outside my place - why not do the same?
Leaving children, pets or anyone else in a parked car "for just five minutes."
One of the nicest things about getting older is knowing your family is there if you ever need them.
As I sat in the shade wondering whether it was too hot even to think, I realised how reassuring it is that my children could step in if life ever threw an unexpected problem my way. They're my attorneys under my Lasting Powers of Attorney, so if illness or an accident ever meant I couldn't manage things myself, they already have the legal authority to help.
Fortunately, those documents are tucked away safely and, thanks to Steve at The Professional Will Writer, they're something I hope I'll never need—but I'm very glad they're there.
Rather like home insurance, you don't buy it because you expect disaster. You buy it because life has a habit of surprising us.
Enjoy the sunshine while it lasts.
Sit in the shade with a cold drink.
Eat an ice cream before it melts.
Wear the sun cream.
Laugh at Britain's annual inability to cope with temperatures above 30 degrees.
And remember...
Winter will probably be along next Tuesday.
