London’s risk from rising temperatures
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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.
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Log into your accountCiaraBD
Community Member 1 day agoThe Elizabeth line is a decent example of a good commute option in this heat - we need trains and buses (and platforms?) with aircon retrofitted. It's the single biggest thing that could be done.
Some kind of grant scheme or tax benefit for...
Show full commentThe Elizabeth line is a decent example of a good commute option in this heat - we need trains and buses (and platforms?) with aircon retrofitted. It's the single biggest thing that could be done.
Some kind of grant scheme or tax benefit for an indoor cooling system (thay doesnt completely wreck the environment like traditional aircon), or for reflective roof panelling, available for London homes given the intensity of the heat here.
Urban tree canopy expansions.
Public cooling centres like libraries and community centres. Public misting stations, more water fountains with clean water or bottle filling.
Enforceable standards for max temperatures in the workplace. My friend is an NHS worker and they don't have aircon in her office and the temp is above 35 on heatwave days.
Cool pavement trials - reflective or light coloured surfaces.
Just a few things off top of head.
Show less of commenttabco12
Community Member 1 day agoThe tubes and buses are by far the worst part of living in London in the summer, but there also needs to be more regulation on housing to ensure safe living standards in heat regulations. We have minimum temperatures, but maximums? High...
Show full commentThe tubes and buses are by far the worst part of living in London in the summer, but there also needs to be more regulation on housing to ensure safe living standards in heat regulations. We have minimum temperatures, but maximums? High rises are built without the ability to open windows fully to regulate the air, old buildings built for harsh winters are left unchanged and uncared for, and both are rented out to tenants who cannot install proper AC, left to sweat and suffer through horrendous “heatwaves” - that in reality, are just the new normal of global warming.
Show less of commentAlex Day
Community Member 1 day agoWhat would make a big difference in the heat would be if all tube lines and platforms and buses were air conditioned or cooled so they weren’t super hot for people having to go to work/school etc.
joti
Community Member 1 day agoCan we have air-conditioning in tfl buses and tubes.It would make travel pleasant, specially for elderly who are no longer driving a car.It will help the environment as well,as less cars are used.Also can we have lifts or something on sides...
Show full commentCan we have air-conditioning in tfl buses and tubes.It would make travel pleasant, specially for elderly who are no longer driving a car.It will help the environment as well,as less cars are used.Also can we have lifts or something on sides of the stairs in Arnos grove underground.
since I posted a comment about the closed bus stop on Betstyle rd ,N11.it has reopened.👍
harry82
Community Member 1 day agoLondon TFL must have air/co everywhere, buses are ovens nowadays people are really suffering because of the heat
Show full commentLondon TFL must have air/co everywhere, buses are ovens nowadays people are really suffering because of the heat
Show less of commentnorthenline2
Community Member 1 day agoOpening the windows at night is a good suggestion if we live in a world were moths, spiders, daddy long legs and all sort of insects don’t exist. I hate opening my window at night because of the bugs I’m basically inviting into my room.
Show full commentOpening the windows at night is a good suggestion if we live in a world were moths, spiders, daddy long legs and all sort of insects don’t exist. I hate opening my window at night because of the bugs I’m basically inviting into my room.
Show less of commentOpinionsGalore
Community Member 1 day agoI will never understand how a world capital like London can boil people alive at this day and age.
It's 2025, we know Summers will only get hotter. It's not news.
How come buses are boiling hot? I have almost fainted several times.
You cannot...
Show full commentI will never understand how a world capital like London can boil people alive at this day and age.
It's 2025, we know Summers will only get hotter. It's not news.
How come buses are boiling hot? I have almost fainted several times.
You cannot simply tell people to carry water then charge them to be roasted alive.
Most citizens don't get to decide what days and times they must commute, so don't pretend that is our choice either.
And what about shelter? Not only from the heat, but also rain. Where are the public spaces where pedestrians can take a rest?
And even without a roof: what happened to benches? How can one take a seat without it being in a commercial setting? What does this say about our society? Even big parks are short of benches! Any wide pavement and green area could benefit from it. Communities would benefit from it. Elder and low mobility citizens would be encouraged to get out more. Friends and families could stay outside. We could just feel like we belong in this city and not just run everywhere and be all about working, shopping, consuming, paying.
Let's go back to appreciating comfort. Let's make a city for the people.
Show less of commentLewysham
Community Member 1 day agoImprove insulation on flat roofs and use a light colour
stxrz
Community Member 1 day agoSchools are major issue - the main building of mine is just over a century old and a literal oven in summer with AC only installed in computer rooms and not any general classrooms. Our uniform rules like tucked in shirts are still...
Show full commentSchools are major issue - the main building of mine is just over a century old and a literal oven in summer with AC only installed in computer rooms and not any general classrooms. Our uniform rules like tucked in shirts are still implemented even at break and lunch times and in 30°C+ heat, and during PE lessons many people are forced to continue despite feeling ill and telling teachers. Several have gone home after fainting and vomiting because of these situations.
The government needs to focus more on areas where people actually spend their time like schools, workplaces and transport as opposed to bus stops where people usually spend only a few minutes.
Show less of commentelephanttalks
Community Member 1 day agoI’d like to note that we need specific temperature numbers for schools and workplaces to be able to close a receive funding from the government. Much like during COVID-19 when only Key Workers worked to keep risks minimal. Companies and...
Show full commentI’d like to note that we need specific temperature numbers for schools and workplaces to be able to close a receive funding from the government. Much like during COVID-19 when only Key Workers worked to keep risks minimal. Companies and buildings, should be able to prove they can keep workers and students safe. It’s too vague and schools especially should be able to rely on the government to issue a closure so they are not responsible and fearful of harsh feedback from parents and students. Many nurseries work out of converted church building that have no way of staying cool. Many school buildings are old and large and uniform is mostly polyester. I’d like to see the government encouraging the Keep Calm and Carry On again. We should be able to carry on the best way we can, but the government should be telling us even if it’s daily during a heatwave when it’s too hot to be sending children to nursery, kids to school, and workers to work. I do believe this would also encourage companies and schools to greater ensure safety as to not experience closure and the government to continue improvements to not have to compensate.
Show less of commentSJ7
Community Member 1 day agoThose noisy mopeds/motorbikes need to be banned, then we can keep our windows open, and not feel like we're living next to an F1 race track.
Consider making more outdoor spaces Smoking Free zones. Otherwise you go outside for some cooler...
Show full commentThose noisy mopeds/motorbikes need to be banned, then we can keep our windows open, and not feel like we're living next to an F1 race track.
Consider making more outdoor spaces Smoking Free zones. Otherwise you go outside for some cooler shade/air, only to be bombarded with second hand toxic smoke from cigs/vapes etc. :(
Show less of commentturaco
Community Member 1 day agoYes. The noise of motorbikes and mopeds needs to be controlled anyway.
goya12
Community Member 1 day agoThe elderly and those on alcohol or drug addiction programmes are especially vulnerable at time of extreme heat or cold.
northenline2
Community Member 2 days agoLondon Underground all year round is terrible. Especially the Victoria and Northern line. I wish all tubes had ac like the Elizabeth line. As a regular tube user, the temperatures even in the winter are extremely uncomfortable. And someone...
Show full commentLondon Underground all year round is terrible. Especially the Victoria and Northern line. I wish all tubes had ac like the Elizabeth line. As a regular tube user, the temperatures even in the winter are extremely uncomfortable. And someone needs to sort out what is causing all that heat at Tottenham Court Road station!
Show less of commentstxrz
Community Member 1 day agocentral line too! the tube is a nightmare and i dont understand why money is going into the new lines (suffragette, mildmay etc.) when the existing routes have so many issues
buses are also extremely hot after school when they are packed to...
Show full commentcentral line too! the tube is a nightmare and i dont understand why money is going into the new lines (suffragette, mildmay etc.) when the existing routes have so many issues
buses are also extremely hot after school when they are packed to the max
Show less of commentnorthenline2
Community Member 1 day agoIt’s a shame to see investment on unnecessary projects like remaking the overground.
Show full commentAlso, it using the bus so much easier if there were more school routes introduced like the 606, 626 etc. I’ve noticed when these buses are running there’s...
It’s a shame to see investment on unnecessary projects like remaking the overground.
Show less of commentAlso, it using the bus so much easier if there were more school routes introduced like the 606, 626 etc. I’ve noticed when these buses are running there’s more space on the other buses. Food for thought but it’d be nice to see something done about the buses as well.
stxrz
Community Member 1 day agoabsolutely, the school buses help a lot of us get to/from school faster and provide us with more options if we miss a bus!
also at an all girls school, having some of those buses just for us helps to avoid some other schoolkids from nearby...
Show full commentabsolutely, the school buses help a lot of us get to/from school faster and provide us with more options if we miss a bus!
also at an all girls school, having some of those buses just for us helps to avoid some other schoolkids from nearby schools saying/doing things which make girls uncomfortable
Show less of commentnorthenline2
Community Member 2 days agoThat day in 2022 took a toll me on me physically and mentally. I felt so fatigued and powerless, I spent the day sleeping in the living room because it’s the coolest room in the house. London homes, or any UK home, aren’t unfortunately...
Show full commentThat day in 2022 took a toll me on me physically and mentally. I felt so fatigued and powerless, I spent the day sleeping in the living room because it’s the coolest room in the house. London homes, or any UK home, aren’t unfortunately built for summer. British winters are harsh, but so are summers, but unfortunately we can’t have both. Americans got lucky with their AC; with most being able to heat and cool their homes, but the electricity bill must be high.
Show less of commentDespoina
Community Member 2 days agoGreen infrastructure and nature based solutions along with landscape architecture and policy focused on circular economy and climate adaptation should become more rigid
Show full commentGreen infrastructure and nature based solutions along with landscape architecture and policy focused on circular economy and climate adaptation should become more rigid
Show less of commentDespoina
Community Member 2 days agoThe current housing infrastructure and most of the wider transportation infrastructure in London has not been built up for heatwaves. Carpets and lack of air conditioning make the situation worse. Air fans and getting away from London was...
Show full commentThe current housing infrastructure and most of the wider transportation infrastructure in London has not been built up for heatwaves. Carpets and lack of air conditioning make the situation worse. Air fans and getting away from London was the only way to escape the heat
Show less of commentchrissy93
Community Member 2 days agoAfter completing the survey I would have liked to see more questions about public transport! One of the things that make the heat unbearable in london is how hot the buses and tubes get.
Show full commentAfter completing the survey I would have liked to see more questions about public transport! One of the things that make the heat unbearable in london is how hot the buses and tubes get.
Show less of commentturaco
Community Member 1 day agoYes: cooling public transport is probably the main way officialdom can help.
lukak
Community Member 2 days agoI have three suggestions.
Show full commentFirstly, all windows should be double glazed. I recently saw on Hackneys planning portal that an application to put in double glazing on a house was rejected because it was in a conservation area! Councils should...
I have three suggestions.
Firstly, all windows should be double glazed. I recently saw on Hackneys planning portal that an application to put in double glazing on a house was rejected because it was in a conservation area! Councils should not be allowed to ban double glazing like this, anyone should be able to put it in without a planning application.
Next, we should encourage the use of external roller shutters. These are used in all homes in Europe, we should learn from them. External blinds keep homes far more insulated than internal ones.
Show less of commentLastly external bi-directional heat pumps (aka air conditioners) should be encouraged, and allowed to be installed without planning permission. These can be used to heat houses with green energy in the winter and cool homes in summer.
rjs359
Community Member 2 days agoYet another survey designed and manipulated to get only the results they want to hear. If this is supposed to be a forum to allow people to have a say but not allowing anyone to vote for the use of air conditioning is hardly democracy in...
Show full commentYet another survey designed and manipulated to get only the results they want to hear. If this is supposed to be a forum to allow people to have a say but not allowing anyone to vote for the use of air conditioning is hardly democracy in action. I completely understand the environmental impacts but in many cases it is the only option that actually works. The National Grid in the summer months is overwhelming powered by majority renewables and zero carbon sources so grow up and allow us to vote like adults rather than arrogantly dictating the options.
Show less of commentsjh
Community Member 2 days agoAll of the pre-populated responses were just fluff around the edges, which was disappointing to see. I was hoping this was going to get feedback to support the obvious and only real solution: relaxing planning rules on air conditioning and...
Show full commentAll of the pre-populated responses were just fluff around the edges, which was disappointing to see. I was hoping this was going to get feedback to support the obvious and only real solution: relaxing planning rules on air conditioning and expanding it as much as possible to workplaces, public buildings, etc. and having it as standard in all new builds.
Show less of comment