News stations have released various different heat-related death counts, putting the current figure between 120 and 140 people. Many north Indian homes lack air conditioning, leaving residents with few methods of completely sheltering themselves from the immense heat and seasonal humidity.

Temperatures have risen in the region for two years now, with 2009′s summer yielding some of the hottest temperatures on record. With recorded temperatures of over 49ºC, the current heat wave could go down in history as India’s warmest and most economically devastating, affecting thousands of farmers and potentially costing the warmest regions millions of dollars in lost agricultural income.

Residents of New Delhi, the country’s capital and India’s largest northern city have taken a unique approach to fighting the heat. Instead of relying on poor home cooling systems, locals have taken ‘long-distance’ continual rides on the city’s air conditioned subway system or invested in hand-fans and other portable air conditioning solutions.

Positive Weather Solutions claim that June and July’s weather patterns will mirror last year – large amounts of rain and relatively limited sunshine. Where they’ll differ, the organization believes, is in August. PWS are predicting record levels of sunshine and heat in 2010′s August, possibly even to the point of a new British record temperature.

The warmest summer on record left an all-time high of 38.5°C – a target that’s rarely been approached since it was recorded in 2003. Analysts suggest that this year could be the time that Britain’s weather becomes slightly warmer, with all-round temperature averages predicted to stay at approximately 18°C.

Whether Britain’s weather fantasies come true or not is certainly up for debate. What’s not, however, is the amount of enthusiasm and caution that Britons are showing for the predicted heat. In response to the prediction, many are planning an air conditioned summer – locked indoors and forced out of the heat.

Our advice: enjoy the sunshine. While Britain’s temperatures may end up brushing on uncomfortable, there’s always a way to avoid discomfort – spend mornings enjoying moderate sun, and escape to comfortable environments cooled by an air conditioning service during peak sunlight hours.