So you can see why weather is such a popular topic. In London as in Beijing, it dictates what you wear each day, how and if you can travel to work, and whether to get out the motor scooter or the rubber dinghy.

It gives everyone a chance, in London at least, to moan about the lack of air-conditioning on buses, trains and the subway.

And the weather gives London’s seriously put-upon commuters a fantastical series of announcement from transport companies – buckled tracks because of hot weather, the wrong kind of snow (seriously), leaves on the track and my favourite, delayed trains because the sun is shining in drivers’ eyes.

As I write, London and the Home Counties are basking in high temperatures, light breezes and blue skies.

But trust me – it won’t last. After all, we have to have something to talk about.

Broadcaster:

Greg Fountain is a copy editor and occasional presenter for China Daily. Before moving to Beijing in January, 2016 he worked for newspapers in the Middle East and UK. He has an M.A in Print Journalism from the University of Sheffield, a B.A in English and History from the University of Reading.

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