Warm autumns that fool plants into thinking it is spring, daffodils flowering in February, bears that refuse to hibernate because it is not cold enough.

Add to that record-breaking temperatures one year and record-breaking rainfall the next and generally, I think we have to come to the conclusion that the weather is going mad.

Humans are confused, too. As I write, it is just a week or so from the August bank holiday yet the rain is tipping down outside in scenes generally reminiscent of late October.

Doesn't the weather know that it is supposed to turn grey and gloomy only in time for the long bank holiday weekend? There is though still time for it to turn tail and bask us all in sunshine in time for kids to be back in school.

I cannot be the only one who feels like summer has barely begun this year and already there are signs that it is supposed to be nearly over - TV adverts for school uniforms and the release of exam results.

The effects are being felt on the economy too. The shops have been full of unsold clothes suited to balmy sunny days while most of us have had to stock up on anoraks and umbrellas.

And who wants to go for a day at the seaside when you would have to sit on wet sand? Sun cream has remained sold largely only to those lucky enough to escape these shores - only to then face increasing guilt over enlarging their carbon footprint and drowing polar bears.

Surely health service planning is going to be thrown into confusion, too. There are so many questions. Heatwave warnings have proved obsolete this year. Are the days of the NHS reckoning on larger numbers of chest infections and car crashes caused by icy roads in winter over? Should they instead be planning for larger numbers of car crashes caused by pouring rain at the height of summer? Will clinicians have to become clued up about trench foot or would it be better to specialise in conditions exacerbated by heat?

Examples of what trusts are doing to try and get their heads round this little dilemma would be warmly welcomed.