Transport for London asks the public to avoid travelling tomorrow, as the Red heat alert is extended by another 24 hours
The Met Office has recorded a temperature of 36.4C at Yeovilton in Somerset, making today the hottest June day on record – beating the record 36.1C which had been set yesterday, June 24.
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Those, of course, are the temperatures “in the shade”, measured according to strict Met Office rules. The temperature in the sun, with heat reflected off hard surfaces, can often be several degrees higher.
Emergency services and London’s transport system are feeling the heat, with record call-outs, while double the number of schools have closed or sent pupils home early – more than 2,000 – than had been the case yesterday.
In Croydon, the temperature has reached 32C, with the forecast for it being hotter still tomorrow (Friday, June 26).
The Met Office has extended its Red heat warning by 24 hours, through to tomorrow evening.
Transport for London is asking the public to consider whether to travel at all tomorrow, and to check for service updates before embarking on their commute or other journeys around the capital.
“Please check before you travel and consider if your journey is necessary, as high temperatures may continue to disrupt some Tube and rail services,” TfL said today.
“If you need to travel, allow more time for your journey, carry water with you and travel at quieter times if possible. We are working to minimise any disruption as much as possible.”
London buses are expected to run as normal. TfL recommends using its online service updates for the latest information.
The London Ambulance Service says that it responded to the highest number of life-threatening emergencies in its history yesterday (June 24).
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Ambulance crews responded to 642 calls relating to Category 1 incidents – those that include the most serious, life-threatening injuries and illnesses such as cardiac arrests and patients who are not breathing.
Chief Executive Jason Killens said this was “driven by the extreme heat across London”.
The London Fire Brigade has confirmed that it dealt with almost double that number of call-outs – 1,153 – in 24 hours on Tuesday (June 23). “Around 400 of the calls received were related to flooding experienced across the capital following heavy thunderstorms overnight,” the LFB said.
The rescues included around 300 people being taken from a stranded train near Drayton Park Station, alongside the British Transport Police and Network Rail.
Assistant Commissioner Pat Goulboune said: “Due to the heightened risk during this hot weather period, we have also ensured that our specialist Terrain Support Vehicles are ready to tackle any fires in the open, and our water rescue capability is prepared for any emergency involving London’s 370 miles of waterways.”
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The Brigade is particularly concerned about young people, off school, venturing into open water. Since 2020, there have been 112 accidental drownings across the capital.
“In this weather, it can be tempting for children and young people to cool off in rivers, reservoirs and lakes. However, this can be incredibly dangerous,” AC Goulbourne said.
“Many Londoners, including parents, are not aware that despite its calm surface, open water can have strong currents, hidden debris, slippery edges, and sudden drops in depth – all of which could prove fatal.
“If you are planning to swim outdoors, do so only in designated areas and ensure that lifeguards and safety equipment are present.”
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