London’s risk from rising temperatures

Open

1291 Londoners have responded

A very hazy view of London's skyline, featuring the Gherkin and the Walkie Talkie

Discussions

Discussion | Coping with hot weather in London

User Image for
Added by Talk London

The summer of 2022 saw temperatures above 40°C, the highest ever recorded in England. Climate change could bring hotter, drier summers in London, with longer, more intense heatwaves.

City Hall’s Climate Adaptation team wants to hear your experience to help inform London’s first Heat Risk Delivery Plan. 

Join the conversation 

 Thinking back to the heatwave of 2022: 

  • How did you cope with the heat in London?  
  • What helped you stay cool at home or while you were out and about? 
  • What made it better, and what made it worse?  

Thinking of this summer:  

  • What, if anything, are you doing differently to cope with the heat in London? 
  • What, if anything, does London need to help you cope with the heat? 

Please share as much detail as you can. Eleanor and Annette from City Hall’s Climate Adaptation team will be reading your comments and joining in.  

About the action plan

The London Heat Risk Delivery Plan will set out the roles and responsibilities our city needs to manage heat risk. The recommendation for this action plan came out of last year’s London Climate Resilience Review.  

Between March and September 2025, Londoners and stakeholders are invited to help inform the action plan. Read more on our background page.

 

Open


Want to add a comment?

New here? Join Talk London, City Hall's online community where you can have your say on London's biggest issues.

Join Talk London

Already have an account?

Log into your account
Comments (312)

This comment has been pinned
Avatar for -

Great to see so many comments about living with extreme heat in London. Thanks for taking the time to add your comments. This is much appreciated to inform what more London needs to do to manage extreme heat in today's changing climate.

Avatar for - Sea turtle

It’s reached point where I try hard to avoid taking the tube because of the unbearable temperatures on most lines, but even walking around the city in the summer is a challenge, especially in direct sun. The following would make a...

Show full comment

It’s reached point where I try hard to avoid taking the tube because of the unbearable temperatures on most lines, but even walking around the city in the summer is a challenge, especially in direct sun. The following would make a difference to me:

  • More street shade such as trees
  • More public drinking water fountains
  • Efforts to cool public transport
  • Better ventilation on buses
  • Improving air quality on the tube 

I don’t believe widespread AC is a good solution, as it will make the outside air hotter. 

Show less of comment

Avatar for - Adelie penguin

As Building Regulations Part O dealing with overheating only came into force in June 2022, it is obvious that most buildings built before then will need retrofitting of passive cooling measures or the introduction of active cooling measures...

Show full comment

As Building Regulations Part O dealing with overheating only came into force in June 2022, it is obvious that most buildings built before then will need retrofitting of passive cooling measures or the introduction of active cooling measures (e.g. aircon). Blocks of flats with windows that open inwards need external shutters. Planning permission for air conditioning to be installed en masse in blocks of flats will need to happen. Whilst planning permission is dealt with at a local council level, this will need to be coordinated across London otherwise we risk some areas falling behind in adapting to climate change.

Show less of comment

Avatar for - Adelie penguin

My flat gets ridiculously hot in the summer, and things that are common in countries like Italy would help so much – shutters for the windows, canopies to create shade. Air con would be so useful too, particularly on the tube! 

Show full comment

My flat gets ridiculously hot in the summer, and things that are common in countries like Italy would help so much – shutters for the windows, canopies to create shade. Air con would be so useful too, particularly on the tube! 

Show less of comment

Avatar for - Adelie penguin

Remove regulatory barriers to air conditioning. My portable AC unit was a lifesaver this summer, nothing else worked. Extreme heat deaths are much lower in the US where AC is common. AC is not bad for the planet (and is only getting cleaner...

Show full comment

Remove regulatory barriers to air conditioning. My portable AC unit was a lifesaver this summer, nothing else worked. Extreme heat deaths are much lower in the US where AC is common. AC is not bad for the planet (and is only getting cleaner) as it draws power at the times when solar panels are supplying most power to the grid.


Also why is your survey asking me if winters are wetter or how much reflective roofs would cool houses? Those are scientific questions you should answer with scientific models. The general public’s opinion is not relevant. 

Show less of comment

Avatar for - Adelie penguin


 

The Tube is the worst part of it all — and a real health hazard. There is ample evidence showing that temperatures on many lines are rising year by year.


 

While I’m not a huge fan of air conditioning due to CO2 emissions, installing an...

Show full comment


 

The Tube is the worst part of it all — and a real health hazard. There is ample evidence showing that temperatures on many lines are rising year by year.


 

While I’m not a huge fan of air conditioning due to CO2 emissions, installing an appropriate cooling system on the Tube would significantly improve passenger experience. It could also encourage more people to choose public transport over driving or using Uber — options that often result in higher emissions. In the long term, this could help TfL boost ridership and revenue.


 

Show less of comment

Avatar for - Koala

Adaptation AND mitigation. Accessible external shading products for the masses (current products are too expensive and burdensome to install - London is a city of renters, remember!) and a huge tree planting initiative. The difference in...

Show full comment

Adaptation AND mitigation. Accessible external shading products for the masses (current products are too expensive and burdensome to install - London is a city of renters, remember!) and a huge tree planting initiative. The difference in temperature in green spaces vs hard pavement zones is staggering.

Show less of comment

Avatar for - Tiger

Drinking more water - Keeping hold of a spray fan, getting up earlier.

Creation of shade spots - esp in areas you want more footflow - walking market - near retailers and drinking water taps

Avatar for - Saola

I cope ok with the heat as my home is very cool and i keep curtains and windows shut in Summer.  It is winner and cold Damm weather that i find hard to cope with

Show full comment

I cope ok with the heat as my home is very cool and i keep curtains and windows shut in Summer.  It is winner and cold Damm weather that i find hard to cope with

Show less of comment

Avatar for - Adelie penguin

Firstly I think a lot could be done to reduce street surface temperatures from more trees or fabric canopys to just reducing traffic as cars just exacerbate the heat. 

I think having misting stations around the city where people can cool...

Show full comment

Firstly I think a lot could be done to reduce street surface temperatures from more trees or fabric canopys to just reducing traffic as cars just exacerbate the heat. 

I think having misting stations around the city where people can cool down is great as well as having maps that let me know where airconditioned venues are in their area so they can stay cool. The city of Geneva has done this really well and they even offer free cinema tickets to elderly/vulnerable people in heatwaves so they can stay somewhere cool.

It was super frustrating that when it was 40C in London a few years back I just really wanted to go swimming but couldn't access anywhere as it was all fully booked. It was made all the more annoying when the Lee River is so close by but too full of raw sewage for people to be able to swim in. So long term we really need to clean up our waterways so people can actually access spaces to keep cool.

Finally as a private renter I have no control over my living space and making it better for dealing with extreme heat. I used to live in a top floor flat in a converted house where if it got hot in summer I just had to be out all day as it was too stifling indoors. I then moved somewhere with high ceilings so its much better in extreme heat but in winter it is an absolute fridge. So really landlords need to be forced to make their properties suitable for these different conditions. I would love to see landlords have to meet a minimum energy rating for all private rental properties (because a D rating in winter is awful). This would force them to adequately insulate properties so they are better for both extreme heat and extreme cold. I also think having external shutters installed would be fantastic so you can keep your house cooler (as closing your curtains is nowhere near as effective as the heated window glass makes the room warm). I also would want all properties to have double glazing as an absolute minimum.

Show less of comment

Avatar for - Sea turtle

I think one of the biggest problems in rented homes is lack of insulation and single-glazed windows. During the heatwaves, my top floor flat was regularly hotter than outdoors before the afternoon, despite keeping curtains drawn and opening...

Show full comment

I think one of the biggest problems in rented homes is lack of insulation and single-glazed windows. During the heatwaves, my top floor flat was regularly hotter than outdoors before the afternoon, despite keeping curtains drawn and opening all windows at night. It's a structural problem that old houses aren't getting modernised. Plus, there aren't enough public spaces with air-conditioning to cool off during the day.

Show less of comment

Avatar for - Sea turtle

  • AC on public transport
  • More water fountains in public parks
  • Planting trees on streets without them

Avatar for - Sea turtle

To cope with the heat, I stayed at my flat during the day and avoid commuting to work as the temperatures on the tube would be very high. The best room to stay at 40C is the bathroom as it has no windows therefore the heat is more bearable...

Show full comment

To cope with the heat, I stayed at my flat during the day and avoid commuting to work as the temperatures on the tube would be very high. The best room to stay at 40C is the bathroom as it has no windows therefore the heat is more bearable. Drinking lots of fluids & take lots of cold showers. Going for a walk after sun is down was helpfull due to light wind. The flat during evening hours was unbearable. We also bought fans to help us sleep. 

Show less of comment

Avatar for - Adelie penguin

The survey seemed to miss the key part of the issue - what major infrastructure should be prioritised to deal with extreme heat as it becomes a more common feature of London life. Yes there’s lots of littler things individuals can do, and...

Show full comment

The survey seemed to miss the key part of the issue - what major infrastructure should be prioritised to deal with extreme heat as it becomes a more common feature of London life. Yes there’s lots of littler things individuals can do, and government could do to support / incentivise / encourage. But the big issues are around temperature on public transport and temperature in public & private buildings. As others have said, no need to reinvent the wheel - other countries have managed high temperatures for a long time. The plan needs to have some major infrastructure and planning actions by government as the foundation, with the wider societal plan sat above it. 

Show less of comment

Avatar for - Sea turtle

Solar panel shaded areas would be a great two-way solution 

Show full comment

Solar panel shaded areas would be a great two-way solution 

Show less of comment

Avatar for - Monarch butterfly

AC on the tube!! 

Show full comment

AC on the tube!! 

Show less of comment

Avatar for - Sea turtle

More public places should start installing AC, especially in trains and buses. 

Show full comment

More public places should start installing AC, especially in trains and buses. 

Show less of comment

Avatar for - Vaquita

I would add shadows on the streets with trees or with cotton cloth or even with crocheted clothes as used in other countries.

Also it is very important to refresh floors and buildings.

Spread the word in how to manage keeping lower...

Show full comment

I would add shadows on the streets with trees or with cotton cloth or even with crocheted clothes as used in other countries.

Also it is very important to refresh floors and buildings.

Spread the word in how to manage keeping lower temperatures at homes without air conditioning (as using shadows or creating air flow)

The population should be trained in how to  hydrate and eat during hot weather and also how to prevent risks with elders and babies.

Change shifts to all workers with physical exercise or working outside of buildings with air conditioning, so they can do their work without risking their health.

 

Show less of comment

Avatar for - Koala

There are may countries inthe World with high  temperatures, no need to reinven  the wheel.  first we need AC on all public transport. Then we need more trees/shades and pedestrian only areas. Build  buildings  with proper outside windows...

Show full comment

There are may countries inthe World with high  temperatures, no need to reinven  the wheel.  first we need AC on all public transport. Then we need more trees/shades and pedestrian only areas. Build  buildings  with proper outside windows blinds  like the ones in Spain and other European countries. Public swimming pools  in mayor parks.

Show less of comment

Avatar for - Sumatran elephant

More trees everywhere! No big squares without trees (granary square).

Spaces by the river covered with trees. Basically outdoor spaces with shade where people can stay FOR FREE. More ponds and lakes


Timeline

STAGE: Evidence gathering

Launch of the London Climate Resilience Review

Happened

London’s changing climate

Happened
-

Londoners have responded 927 times

Find out more
STAGE: Programme launched

London Climate Resilience Review is published with a recommendation to create the London Heat Risk Delivery Plan

Happened
STAGE: You said, we did

Report on impacts of climate change published

Happened
Read our update
STAGE: Evidence gathering

London Heat Risk Delivery Plan programme launches

Happened
STAGE: Evidence gathering

March-September 2025: Stakeholder engagement to help inform the London Heat Risk Delivery Plan (including here on Talk London)

Happened

Shaping London's Heat Plan

Happening now
-

Londoners have responded 1262 times

Start the survey
STAGE: Programme design

September 2025 - March 2026: Drafting of the London Heat Risk Delivery Plan

Happened
STAGE: Programme launched

Spring 2026: Publication of the London Heat Risk Delivery Plan

Happened