The heatwave affecting people and businesses in Salisbury today

Today, the Journal went out and about in the city centre and to Queen Elizabeth Gardens to see who was braving the sun, either working or for leisure, and how they were coping.  

Starting at the taxi rank along New Canal, which has no shade, Jeremy Symes says he has been a taxi driver for four years and admits he is struggling to cope with the heat.

He said: “I am parked here all day and as soon as you stop the air conditioning, you just can’t sit in the car, so you end up standing out in the sun.

“We do notice when it is hot, that less people come out, so you are not even moving the car as much. Yesterday, I sat here for almost two hours.”

Kathy Ellis has been a taxi driver for eight years.

She said: “Yesterday was just ridiculous, I just stood here and baked, and you can’t get away from it. I freeze bottles of water and bring them in which helps. People tend to do what they have to do in the mornings and then go. It’s sensible.

“At home, I keep the blinds shut.  My dog has not been walked for two days.”

Elsewhere, Geoff Gates was visiting friends Martin Terry and Bill Houghton, and they had found a shady spot on the green in The Close.

Geoff Gates, Martin Terry and Bill Houghton

Bill said: “This heat is something that we have experienced before. My son was born in 1976 and that was a real hot time and if I remember correctly, we had a really cold winter that year with a lot of snow.

“The heat is fine; you just adjust the best way you can. We are not going to rush around and do anything too strenuous. Have a drink and keep in the shade and rest.

“I do find it strange that schools are shutting. Why? I know it’s coming to the end of the school term, but years ago, you just got on with it. I worked in a factory, and it was extremely hot, but you did it.”

Geoff added: “I think in fairness, we are all retired, so we don’t have to rush around and do anything, not now.”

Martin said: “The key is common sense. Keep hydrated, keep in the shade, and wear appropriate clothes. Europe is warming up and large countries are not doing anything.”

Darla Mary Spencer Merson and Gary Bishop were sheltering beneath a tree near to the Cathedral grounds.

Darla Mary said: “We have been in Salisbury since Sunday, and it is a couple of degrees higher than where we live in Wales. If you are sensible and sit in the shade and drink plenty of water, you are okay.”

Patricia Coyle lives in Durrington and went to Queen Elizabeth Gardens with her children and grandchild early in the morning to enjoy some time by the river.

The Coyle Family

“We were one of the first people here and parked up about 8.45 this morning because the temperatures start rising at lunchtime. That’s when we will probably get going. We didn’t go any further afield because of the traffic.

“We have spent a lot of time in the garden in the paddling pool, but give me a shallow river and it’s much better.

“We are closing the curtains and windows and keeping the sun out at home. We have cool mats, everybody has them, and we put a cold bottle in front of the fan.”

A predicted thunderstorm and rain should bring respite to the intensity of the heatwave with some cooler days ahead.

The intensive heat over the last few days is due to gradually ease and temperatures are predicted to drop to a more comfortable 25 degrees tomorrow, with sunny intervals and a breeze.

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