Interactive map shows where Londoners could cool off during 33C bank holiday heatwave

Temperatures in London are forecast to reach 33C over the spring bank holiday weekend, prompting people to either enjoy outdoor events or seek relief from the heat. The GLA Cool Spaces list provides locations such as libraries, community centres, sports centres, and religious spaces that can offer shelter from the sun. Drinking water stations are also signposted so people can refill bottles and stay hydrated. The map was created last summer, so some sites may have different opening hours, but most are understood to remain in operation. The sites are meant to reduce health risks and provide cooling options, not replace medical care. Indoor temperatures in homes could reach 40C, increasing the need for these locations. Medical advice should be sought as usual when needed.

"Londoners are bracing themselves for a scorcher of a spring bank holiday weekend, with temperatures expected to hit 33C. As many in the capital look to soak in the sun at festivals, parks, or at many of London's open air spaces, others will be keen to seek refuge from the roasting heat. With temperatures forecast to be hotter than Barbados, the GLA's Cool Spaces' list could be the ticket to find some solace from the sun."

"Libraries, community centres, sports centres, and religious spaces were all been listed on last year's database to help protect people during the heatwave. Drinking water stations have also been signposted on the map for Londoners to refill water bottles and hydrate in the heat. This map was created last summer so it is not clear whether these spaces will still be used in the same way this year, but it is understood that most of the sites are still in operation."

"The GLA map is intended to help reduce health risks from hot weather and to offer shelter from the sun on especially warm days. That said, the cool spaces sites are not intended to be used as a substitute for medical care. Those impacted by the heat should seek out medical advice as usual. People will be looking to cool off Some may also be closed on the bank holiday and on other days of the weekend."

"Temperatures across the bank holiday weekend will rise to 30C by 5pm on Saturday, with the heat ramping up to 32C on Sunday. Monday will see sweltering temperatures of up to 33C as the heatwave takes a hold on the capital. Locations on the map could also be used if indoor temperatures in homes become uncomfortably warm. Forecasts suggest that temperatures in London homes could rise to 40C this weekend."

Read at www.standard.co.uk