London’s risk from rising temperatures

London’s climate continues to change. In recent decades, we have experienced warmer, wetter winters and hotter, drier summers than in the 20th century.

In summer 2022, temperatures exceeded 40C in London. Schools were closed, hospital operations were cancelled as systems crashed and wildfires caused the London Fire Brigade's busiest day since WWII.  Trainlines buckled at King’s Cross railway station, and London’s economy suffered as footfall in the city plunged. Heat also puts pressure on infrastructure, including water and power grids.

It is estimated that the summer 2022 heatwaves caused 387 excess deaths in London (UKHSA). Whilst everybody was at risk from the 40C heatwave, older people and young children and babies are more vulnerable to the risk of overheating in hot weather. Outdoor workers are also vulnerable to the risks of overheating, as well as people rough sleeping in London. Pregnant women and people with underlying medical conditions can also be vulnerable to the effects of heat.  

Hotter, drier summers can also result in the loss of biodiversity. High temperatures can damage trees. Four out of 10 of the most common street tree species in London are known to have a low tolerance to drought (UK Forestry Commission Blog). 

City Hall is working on an action plan with partners to better prepare London for rising temperatures and extreme heat from climate change.  

Your views in our survey will help inform the London Heat Risk Delivery Plan. This will set out the roles, responsibilities and actions we need to better manage London's heat risk.  

Get involved and tell us:  

• What helps you cope with heat? 
• What would you like to see done to help cool the city during a heatwave?   
• What do you think should be done in London to help keep the city cooler all year round? 

Alongside our Talk London survey, the team are also:  

• carrying out polling with a representative sample of Londoners 
• running workshops with young Londoners 
• hosting a roundtable with key stakeholders  

The recommendation to create a Heat Risk Delivery Plan came out of the London Climate Resilience Review. This was informed by the views of experts and Londoners, including here on Talk London. 

In addition to the London Heat Risk Delivery Plan, City Hall has set up the following initiatives to help keep Londoners safe in heat: 

• Cool spaces map – A network of indoor spaces that provide Londoners with shelter in hot weather 
• Refill London – Water fountains distributed across the city to provide free tap water all year round and especially during hot weather  
• Climate Risk Map – A map that helps London boroughs identify which communities are at the highest risk from extreme weather events 
• Trees for London – The Mayor’s programme to plant thousands of new trees to cool the city and provide shade to Londoners in hot weather. 
• Overheating audits for care homes – the Mayor’s Care Home Audit pilot includes recommendations to help care homes prepare for extreme heat events. 
• Guidance for schools and Early Years – the Mayor has established guidance that schools and Early Years’ Settings can take to prepare for extreme heat 
• Climate Resilience Schools – The programme worked with up to 100 schools to reduce flooding and heat risk 

Eleanor from City Hall’s Climate Adaptation team will be reading your comments in our survey and discussion.  

The Environment team works towards supporting a fairer, greener London for everyone.  

Their work ensures that:  

• Londoners can enjoy green and wild spaces across the capital   
• London is resilient to extreme weather and the impacts of climate change  
• London is net zero-carbon by 2030.