‘Pools of sunscreen, litres of water’: extreme heat around the UK – photo essay

theguardian.com:

The UK has experienced its hottest day on record, with temperatures in various places rising past 40C according to provisional Met Office figures. Coningsby hit 40.2C, Heathrow 40.2C, Kew Gardens 40.1C, Northolt 39.9C, Cambridge 39.9C and St James’s Park in London 39.9C. The warmest night ever was recorded from Monday into Tuesday, staying above 25C all night in places, according to the Met Office.

The Guardian team of photographers headed out in the hot weather across England and Wales to document people struggling with the heat in hotspots in Yorkshire, Manchester, the Midlands and London.

People sweltering in Manchester on the day temperatures rose above 40C for the first time ever in the UK. Photograph: Chris Thomond

Joel Goodman was out in Manchester on Monday as commuters, workers and shoppers struggled with the heat in the city.

“I reduced my kit to just one camera and a lightweight, 24-240mm superzoom lens. It left me with fewer creative options but enabled me to shoot more comfortably in the heat. My sense was that far fewer had commuted in to the city centre. Those who I met out were either there to enjoy the sun or had no option but to work through it.

“Pools of sunscreen, litres of water and my finest bucket hat didn’t stop me from feeling it hard. For those working with heavy tools, such as the road crew I saw sweating in the Northern Quarter, it must have been incredibly tough.” Joel Goodman

A woman holds up a bag of ice on a tram in Shudehill. Photograph: Joel Goodman

A group of workmen taking a break in the city

A young woman having a quiet breakfast on the steps of Manchester Central Library. Photograph: Christopher Thomond

Billie Christiansen and Megan Browne carrying fans to keep cool. Photographs: Christopher