Luton Sunset After the UK Heatwave – A Photographer’s View of 13 August 2025

Three hot days, one fiery sky, and the story behind the colours

Today, on 13 August 2025, I went out with my camera in Luton just as the sun was starting to drop, around 8:15 pm. We’ve had three days of unusually hot weather for the UK, and the air still felt warm. The sky turned shades of orange and red, casting a soft, golden light across the neighbourhood.

I used my Nikon D810 with a 70 mm lens, set at ISO 200, 1/500 s shutter speed, and f/5.6. No tripod needed — the light was still strong and the colours were already rich.

Why the colours pop after hot days

Warm evenings often mean more moisture, dust and fine particles in the air. When the sun sits low on the horizon, its light travels through a thicker slice of atmosphere. The shorter blue and green wavelengths scatter first, while the longer red and orange wavelengths carry on — which is why sunsets after hot days look warmer and deeper in colour.

I took several frames from different angles — from the pavement and near fences, trying to catch the lines and textures around me. Within minutes, the colours faded and a cooler, softer light took over.

I enjoy documenting moments like this, especially here in the UK, where the weather can flip moods from one day to the next. Photography isn’t only about settings — it’s about keeping a feeling. Tonight’s sunset was, for me, the right mix of colour, warmth and calm.