London is experiencing a severe heatwave with temperatures expected to reach 34°C, causing significant train disruptions and raising wildfire risks. Great Western Railway has cancelled several services between Paddington and Oxford, and local services to Reading are also affected. National Rail warned that heat can cause overhead lines to expand and sag, leading to line-side fires and rail buckling.
Temperature Forecast and Health Alerts
Forecaster Chris Foulkes told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that temperatures will likely peak around 34°C in the London area. He described the heatwave as “incredibly long-lived,” noting that some parts of the UK could see 30°C not just through the rest of this week and weekend but throughout the next week as well. London recorded a high of 32°C on Tuesday. An amber heat-health alert is in place until 9pm on Sunday, July 11. The Met Office also warned that a marine heatwave could reach “extreme” levels around parts of the UK later this week.
London Fire Brigade's Busiest Day
London Fire Brigade recorded its busiest 24 hours of the year, handling 1,251 emergency calls across the capital. This is the highest number of calls in a single day since 8 July 2025. The Brigade received 92 calls to a fire in Newham Way, East Ham; 59 calls to a fire at a roof garden on West Row in Kensal Town; and 33 calls to a fire involving wooden hoarding and compost on Mast Street in Barking. Assistant Commissioner Patrick Goulbourne urged Londoners to prevent incidents, saying: “The Brigade is ready and prepared to respond to all types of incidents, but we urge everyone to play their part in preventing them. Wildfires, in particular, can take significant time and resources to resolve and can have devastating impacts on communities and livelihoods.” He advised against disposable BBQs and proper disposal of smoking materials.
Impact on Hospitality and Economy
Hospitality bookings could drop by up to 48% during the heatwave, according to data from Access Hospitality. Analysis of the June 2026 heatwave showed a 19% decline in covers and 11% drop in walk-ins. Oxford Economics analysis estimated that extreme heat and humidity cut workers’ productivity by reducing mental and physical performance, costing £440 million to prepare London for future heatwaves. The latest heatwave could cut the UK’s labour productivity growth by 1.5%, affecting construction, agriculture, manufacturing, retail, and hospitality. At 34°C, workers can lose 50% of their work capacity, according to the International Labour Organization.
Thames Water Urges Hosepipe Ban
Thames Water urged its 16 million customers in London, the Thames Valley, and other areas to stop using hosepipes for watering gardens, cleaning cars, or other purposes. The company said it was struggling to keep up with demand as temperatures approach 34°C, but stopped short of imposing a formal hosepipe ban.
Thunderstorm Risk Later This Week
The Met Office warned of a risk of showers and possibly thunderstorms on Friday and Saturday. The UK Health Security Agency upgraded its yellow heat-health alert to amber for London, the South East, South West, East of England, and the Midlands, effective from 9am on Wednesday July 8 until 9pm on Sunday July 12.
Wimbledon and Tropical Nights
Wimbledon spectators faced scorching conditions, with a male spectator collapsing on Centre Court on Monday. Tuesday is forecast to be the coolest day at the All England Club, with highs of 29°C. The Met Office also warned of “tropical nights” later this week, where temperatures do not fall below 20°C.
City Hall Backs Bus Driver 'Bill of Rights'
City Hall unanimously backed a motion to introduce a ‘Bill of Rights’ for bus drivers after temperatures soared up to 50°C in some cabs. Unite the Union claimed Transport for London and Mayor Sadiq Khan are not doing enough to protect drivers. Reform UK Assembly Member Keith Prince proposed the motion, which includes a dozen key principles.
