Thermal camera footage has revealed extreme temperatures as high as 62C on pavements and train station platforms in London amid a record-breaking heatwave. While the air temperature hovered at around 35C in the capital on Wednesday, the pavement on Regent Street hit a sweltering 57C and 56C in Piccadilly Circus and Oxford Street.
Extreme Heat on Transport and Streets
It was even hotter at Highbury and Islington train station, where the Overground platform peaked at a blistering 62C. Images also show the granite paving stones in King's Cross Square light up in yellow as they reached a scorching 54C. Higher temperatures are marked in lighter colours on the thermal imaging camera.
Black rubber floors trap and absorb heat, meaning a deserted playground in Islington reached 53C, while the floor of a busy Victoria line carriage hit highs of 40C. Air temperatures on the London Underground also soared on Wednesday, as The Standard reported. Commuters endured “hellish” temperatures with the Central line claiming the crown as London’s hottest Tube line, reaching a blistering 39.4C.
Public Health Emergency Warning
The thermal camera footage, captured for Greenpeace UK, shows how extreme heat is putting a strain on daily life in the capital. City Hall analysis shows that around one million London homes are at risk of overheating, alongside 1,361 schools, 60 hospitals, and 351 care homes. This week has seen numerous schools, shops, and offices having to close as the heatwave takes a hold on the capital.
Commenting on the findings, Greenpeace UK head of climate Mel Evans said: “This record-smashing heatwave has turned London into a sticky, sizzling cauldron. This isn’t just weather – it’s a public health emergency driven by fossil fuel giants and their planet-heating emissions.”
Calls for Government Action
Evans added: “These abnormal temperatures are stretching homes, schools, transport and our own health to breaking point, and yet the government has been caught off guard. Ministers need to stop winging it and deliver a proper extreme heat plan, with cooler homes and schools, safe limits for workers, more shade and green space, and clear protection for the most vulnerable.”
“But adaptation alone won’t be enough. Political leaders must also stop fossil fuel companies from turning up the heat on our planet – and make them pay their fair share to fix the problem they’ve caused.”
