Temperature hits a
TEESSIDE saw record-breaking temperatures yesterday as the nation sizzled during the peak of the heatwave.
Middlesbrough was recorded as the hottest place in the North East, with temperatures rising to 38 degrees Celsius between 3pm and 4pm.
A red weather warning was issued for Yorkshire as well as southern parts of the country, where some places experienced heat in 40C.
Some Teessiders made the most of the tropical temperatures by descending on local beaches and parks; many cooling off with a welldeserved ice cream. A handful of supermarkets found themselves in a troubling situation, however, as chillers, fridges and freezers broke down.
Tesco stores in Ingleby Barwick and Eston, as well as an Aldi store in Hartlepool, all suffered from fridge nightmares as a result of the high temperatures.
A spokesperson from Tesco said: “Some refrigeration and freezer units at our Ingleby Barwick store are currently being worked on by our maintenance teams, who will get them back up and running as soon as possible. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.”
Many youngsters finished school early for the day, with teachers deciding it was too hot to keep them in the classroom, with some schools also altering uniform rules to keep kids cool.
Outwood Academy Ormesby, in Tothill Avenue, Middlesbrough, allowed students to attend school up until the end of term in their PE kits to combat the heat. Fortunately for everyone, today is set to be much cooler than previous days – with temperatures set to be in the low twenties, way down on the temperatures of yesterday.
Families from all over the region descended on Redcar to make the most of the weather.
Beverley Russell, who was there with daughters Alyssa and Lilli, said: “We’ve enjoyed trips to Redcar on Monday and Tuesday, we’re going to spend Tuesday afternoon building sandcastles at the beach.”
But not every outdoor spot was busy, with Preston Park practically deserted as temperatures peaked yesterday afternoon.
Local authorities such as Durham County Council have deterred people from visiting play parks during the hottest times of the day, as the swings and slides would easily burn a child due to being so hot.
At Teesside’s seaside areas, beach-goers made the most of the hot weather by taking a dip in the sea, building sand castles and enjoying ice creams on the sea
In 38 years of working,
this is the hottest I’ve ever known it.
Russell Newson of Russells Fish and
Chips
front. Popular ice cream shops in Redcar, Gabrielles and Pacittos, both told The Gazette that they had sold “hundreds” of ice creams throughout the day.
Although not as refreshing as a cold ice cream, visitors to the coast still flocked to the fish and chip shops for some lunch. Russell Newson, of Russells Fish and Chips, said: “In 38 years of working this is the hottest I’ve ever known it.
“The trade has been really good since Friday, the heat has brought people out. We’ve all worked in these conditions forever and we’re used to it. Today is no different to us – we’re better off in here than out there!” Some local businesses found ingenious hacks to keep cool during the hot temperatures. Scott Bros, a family-run firm from Stockton, filled one of their skips full of cold water to keep their employees cool. The skip was made into a makeshift pool – with Neil Crawford, a machine operator at the site, joking: “We’re happy to get on with our jobs despite the heat, but this is a proper treat. It’s almost as good as being by the pool in Benidorm!”
As people remember the blistering temperatures of the 1976 heatwave, the record-breaking mini heatwave of July 2022 is certainly one for the history books too!