Alyx,

I don't know if you remember this but a few years ago (I think like 2018?) we had a February heatwave in England where it was unseasonably hot, and uncommonly sunny. It was quite surreal for the time of year, when we'd normally expect frost and maybe snow.

I noted that people were in summer dresses, sunbathing, having picnics, etc.

You replied saying that was funny because meanwhile in Hawaii you were having a cold snap and everyone was in winter coats.

You then said, wouldn't it be funny if it was actually still warmer in Hawaii than where I was on England. We shared the temperature and discovered this almost was the case - it was actually the same temperature in both places (about 17c / 62.5f)

Now, whenever it's unseasonably warm at an otherwise usually cold time of year, I think about this.

This week, we're having frost on the ground again but we had an uncommonly hot week last week for early march. It was 16c/60.5f, and with sun, which at this time of year felt very warm. I sat outside at a café in just my t-shirt and trousers, even though I am usually a cold person compared to most Brits and usually have to wear more layers than anyone else.

I thought "I wonder if it's warmer than this I. Hawaii but people are zipping up their jackets"

Of course it's true you get acclimatized to where to live, both over the short time and even more over the long term.

After spending two weeks in LA and then Vegas in high 30s (c) / 100+ (f) in sept 2023, I attended a garden party on one of my first days back in England. I wore long trousers and a jacket for the mid 20s / (high 70s) weather while all my friends were in t-shirts, shorts, and summer dresses, because I felt this was now a little cool to me.

I do find it interesting how we perceive these temperatures and also how the environment we're in changes how it feels.

A 16 / 60.5 degree day in England in early March feels lovely and warm but the same temperature in mid August feels freezing.

I once ran a half marathon in April on a day that was unexpectedly 25 (77) and sunny, being the hottest day of the year so far after weeks and weeks of around 13-16 (55-61). With no ability to train in similar temperatures or acclimatise, it felt unbearable and the event saw the highest ever drop out rate for that event (ie percentage of people who started but didn't finish)

But a similar local race of the same distance in July, with similar or even slightly higher temperatures will see only the standard drop out rate for a half marathon