Kevin Randal, a construction worker in Houston, has his routine. Mr. Randal, 60, who works on air conditioning, roofing, flooring and kitchens, spent Saturday inside an attic, drenched in sweat in 100 degree temperatures, fixing an air conditioning unit. He takes breaks every 20 minutes, drinks a mix of lime juice, salt and water to keep him hydrated and takes little sips of water to prevent nausea and throwing up, he said. “If you don’t calculate time correctly, you will faint,” Mr. Randal said, adding, “The heat comes and goes, and the jobs come and go with it.”But for now, the heat is mostly coming and staying. An onslaught of record heat that shows no sign of easing has united all strata of society with the same fundamental purpose of staying cool, comfortable and safe, while putting particular strains on the poor and those without air conditioning.

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Persons: Kevin Randal, Randal, Mr Locations: Houston