Yes,we too get temperatures well in excess of those I've mentioned, but not in May, which is normally a progression from low to high 20's.Had those sort of temperatures and more in Spain and South Africa. Learnt a great trick in SA to save on the cost of air con. Open an outer door and place a chair in the doorway to get the airflow. Get a large bowl and fill it with ice cold water. Then soak a large bath towel in the water before draping it over the back of the chair with the bottom of it in the bowl of water. The towel acts as a wick keeping it moist, and if there is any sort of airflow through the door, it will serve to lower the temperature. It does work as I found and I usually did this before turning in at night when it would be cool enough to fall asleep in comfort. It's claimed that this hack can reduce the temperature by up to 15 degrees depending on airflow and other factors. I can't confirm this as I never measured it but the temperature was definitely lower.
Obviously, if you're leaving a door open at night, you have to be mindful of security. To this day I keep a hammer within easy reach of my bed which I don't really need as I have Hector. He's seen off two separate intruders who had attempted to break into my place in the time I've been here. He's the friendliest of dogs but he turned really nasty on those occasions. Good lad!!
It crossed my mind as to whether the planet is already reacting to a almost pollution free environment that now exists, with little or no air traffic and hugely reduced emissions from cars, lorries etc. Locals are in agreement that these prolonged temperatures this month are something they've not experienced before.
