London is set to swelter in temperatures around 36C on Tuesday as a heatwave grips the capital, with the Met Office issuing a 'risk to life' warning. The record UK high for June of 35.6C could be broken, and conditions are expected to get even hotter later in the week. Some schools and shops in London are closing as millions prepare for what could be an unprecedented heatwave for this time of year.
Record-Breaking Temperatures Expected
If the mercury hits 36C as forecast, this would make Tuesday the hottest June day on record. The current record is 35.6C, but this new record may be short-lived as temperatures on Wednesday are expected to soar to 37C. High humidity across the capital will make the heatwave particularly uncomfortable.
Thunderstorms and Lightning Strikes
The heatwave follows a night of spectacular thunderstorms over London, which caused flash floods and thousands of lightning strikes. The London Fire Brigade said they took 400 calls and responded to two house fires believed to have been caused by lightning. The Met Office reported 29,074 lightning strikes in the UK in the last 24 hours, with around 3,000 over the capital within a span of two hours.
Thunderstorms are linked to heatwaves as extreme heat and humidity warm the Earth's surface, creating an unstable atmosphere. While thunderstorms often mark the end of heatwaves, this one is only beginning.
School Closures
Several schools in London have announced plans to close or partially shut during the heatwave. The Department for Education said it does not normally advise schools to close during hot weather because attendance is 'the best way for pupils to learn and reach their potential', but school leaders should ensure they take 'any steps necessary to make sure children are safe and comfortable'. The list of schools closing over Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday is growing.
Transport Disruptions
Numerous operators in London are warning against travel as the heatwave grips the capital. National Rail and Great Western are advising 'essential travel only', while others have cancelled multiple routes. Eurostar has cancelled two services a day between London St Pancras International and Paris' Gare du Nord due to 'adverse weather conditions'.
The TfL network is buckling under the extreme weather. Six Tube lines were either fully or partly suspended earlier on Tuesday. The Circle line was fully suspended due to a 'signal system failure', and the Elizabeth line has no service between Heathrow Terminals 2, 3, and 4 due to flooding from overnight thunderstorms.
Cool Spaces and Water Policy
The Greater London Authority's 'Cool Spaces' list identifies libraries, community centres, sports centres, and religious spaces as places to find relief from the sun. Drinking water stations are also signposted on the map for Londoners to refill bottles. Wembley Stadium has relaxed its water bottle policy for the Harry Styles gig, allowing empty 500ml metal or hard plastic bottles, whereas previously only clear plastic bottles without lids were permitted.
