London passengers urged to 'carry water' in heatwave

TfL advised people using its services over the bank holiday weekend to carry water as temperatures rise above 30C. London is forecast to reach 34C, the hottest May day on record, prompting a UK Health Security Agency amber heat-health alert for increased risk to vulnerable people. TfL reported that air-conditioned Tube trains cover 40% of the network, while all London Overground and Elizabeth line trains are air conditioned. Cooling measures include industrial-sized fans and station cooling systems on older Tube sections with fewer ventilation shafts. TfL buses have reflective roofs, insulation, and opening windows, and new double-decker buses include air cooling. TfL will monitor track temperatures, improve responses to air-conditioning faults, and conduct regular checks to keep services running as temperatures later fall to 24C.

"TfL has advised people using its services over the bank holiday weekend to carry water with them when they travel as temperatures climb above 30C (86F). London is forecast to see its hottest May day on record on Monday, with temperatures predicted to hit 34C. A TfL spokesperson said: "Please look out for each other while travelling.""

"The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued its first amber heat-health alert of 2026, warning Londoners that high temperatures over the coming days may put vulnerable people at increased risk. TfL said air conditioned Tube trains covered 40% of the network and all London Overground and the Elizabeth line trains were air conditioned."

"On older parts of the Tube network which have fewer ventilation shafts, TfL has introduced a range of station cooling systems including industrial-sized fans. In addition, every TfL bus has reflective roofs, insulation and opening windows, while all new double-decker buses have air cooling. The transport operator said it would monitor track temperatures, enhance its response to air conditioning faults and carry out regular checks on moving parts of tracks and crossings to keep the network moving during the heatwave."

"Temperatures in London are expected to fall to 24C on Wednesday. keeping your home cool by closing windows and curtains in rooms that face the sun if you do go outside, cover up with suitable clothing, such as an appropriate hat and sunglasses, and seek shade and apply sunscreen regularly keeping out of the sun at the hottest time of the day, between 11:00 and 15:00 knowing the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke and what to do if you or someone else has them."

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