Temperature

Celsius the easy scale for everyday use

On the Celsius scale water is frozen at 0 degrees and (under normal everyday conditions) boils at 100 degrees. It is useful because the freezing point of water plays a critical role in assessing environmental conditions, such as the weather, and in tasks such as storing and cooking food.

Become used to using only Celsius. If possible, buy a thermometer without Fahrenheit markings. If you cannot buy one locally, try Thermometer Shop or buy one next time you visit the Continent.

Get to know the temperatures involved in health and safety. See our think metric web site for further guidance.

If you have trouble remembering key points on the Celsius scale try the following rhymes

When it's zero it's freezing,
when it's 10 it's not,
when it's 20 it's warm,
when it's 30 it's not

Or, alternatively:

30's hot
20's nice
10's cold
zero's ice