The Met Office has issued a highly unusual Red Weather Warning with extreme heat expected for Monday and Tuesday.
As the temperature continues to rise, we all need to be careful and to look after each other, especially those who are elderly, living alone and with chronic or severe illnesses. However, this warning is not limited to the most vulnerable and means that changes to all our daily routines will be required. The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has advised there is likely to be an impact on travel and has sent a list of things we can all do to keep ourselves, and others, safe:
- Drink plenty of water and, if you are out, take advantage of the 4,000 free water refill locations and more than 100 new water fountains installed by City Hall across the capital.
- Get familiar with the signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke and find out what to do if you were to suffer from a heat-related illness, by visiting the NHS website.
- Where possible, stay out of the sun between 11am-3pm. Apply sun cream and wear a hat or sunglasses when you are outdoors. Take advantage of the Cool Spaces that are available across the capital to help you stay out of the sun.
- Keep your home as cool as possible—shading windows and shutting them during the day may help. Open them when it is cooler at night.
- Only travel if essential (see also below), avoid travelling during the hottest times, and carry water with you when on public transport. The TfL network includes 192 air-conditioned Tube trains, with all London Overground and the Elizabeth line trains air-conditioned, and reflective roofs, insulation and opening windows on buses.
- Avoid the dangers of swimming in the Thames or in London's canals and waterways and always follow the Fire Brigade’s water safety guidance.
- Be aware of the heightened fire risk during the heatwave. Consider where you are having barbecues and never barbecue on a balcony or near dry grass. Ensure that all rubbish and cigarettes are properly disposed of.
- Use water wisely so as not to waste it. If you can, use leftover water from washing up or baths to water your plants and trees.
- Avoid unnecessary car journeys and idling as a high pollution alert will be in effect. Older people and those with lung problems should reduce strenuous physical exertion due to the pollution, and everyone is encouraged to limit physical activity to the cooler parts of the day.
- Avoid excess alcohol.
- Only call 999 in a genuine emergency. If you or others feel unwell, get dizzy, or have intense thirst, move to a cool place, rehydrate and cool your body down. Londoners can also access expert NHS health advice 24hrs a day by calling 111 or going online.
- People sleeping rough during the heatwave are at serious risk of heat exhaustion. If you're concerned for the welfare of someone sleeping rough in our city, contact StreetLink to connect them to local services.
All of the capital’s key agencies and emergency services are working closely together to ensure London is prepared for the extreme heat and will continue to provide advice for Londoners ahead of Monday.
TfL is strongly encouraging everyone not to travel on Monday 18 and Tuesday 19 July unless your travel is essential. Services are likely to be impacted by the predicted extreme hot weather conditions and delays, cancellations and short notice changes to all services should be expected.
During periods of extreme hot weather:
- Rails, overhead power lines and signalling equipment may be affected
- Temporary speed restrictions may be introduced on some services as a precaution, which may mean journeys take longer than usual
- Track temperature checks are regularly carried out across the Tube, DLR, Overground, Elizabeth line and Tram networks to ensure they remain safe and the track is not at risk of bending or buckling
If you must travel, check before you travel and carry water with you. Do not board a train or bus if you feel unwell. If you become unwell, the advise is to get off at the next stop and contact a member of staff or speak to the bus driver. Where possible, consider retiming your journey to less busy times.
You can find more advice about coping in hot weather on the NHS website.
