London Surfaces Hit 65C in Heatwave as Officials Urge Caution for Children and Pets
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · Jun 26
London Surfaces Hit 65C in Heatwave as Officials Urge Caution for Children and Pets
3 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Jun 26
Summary
Thermal imaging recorded London surface temperatures as high as 65C at Holborn roadworks, with Islington playground flooring at 53C and Piccadilly Circus ground at 56C while air temperatures were about 35C.
Those readings, captured between 14:00 and 17:00 BST, highlighted risks from heat exposure on pavements and play areas, prompting experts to advise using public spaces only at cooler times or avoiding them altogether.
The British Veterinary Association told dog owners to walk pets early or late, or skip walks, and to use a five-second tarmac test because hot pavements can burn paws and dogs cool poorly through sweating.
City Hall said its Heat Ready London plan will expand greening and shade, citing more than 640,000 trees planted since Sadiq Khan took office and a map of cool spaces across the capital.
UCL and Greenpeace said the images show overheating is a public health and urban-design challenge, adding pressure for London to build more heat-resilient public spaces as extreme heat becomes more frequent.