Mayor urges extreme caution during heatwave

• Sadiq warns heatwave presents a risk to life even for fit and healthy Londoners

• Londoners urged to make substantial changes to routines and only travel if essential on Monday and Tuesday
• Mayor issues “high” air pollution alert for Monday following the latest forecast from Imperial College London
• Temperatures in London could reach 40 degrees for the first time since records began and made much more likely due to climate change

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has today warned that the current heatwave presents a serious risk to life even amongst the fit and healthy. He has urged Londoners to exercise caution and only make essential journeys over the coming days as the capital experiences unprecedented temperatures.

The capital could endure record temperatures up to 40 degrees on Monday and Tuesday – bringing with it a potential threat to life and significant disruption.

The UK has today moved into its first ever ‘Level 4’ heatwave emergency alert – meaning that illness and death may occur among the fit and healthy - and not just in high-risk groups.

Yesterday Sadiq convened a special meeting of the Mayors Advisory Group with key senior officials from agencies including the NHS, the Met Police, London Fire Brigade, London Ambulance Service, London Councils and Transport for London - to ensure London’s agencies have a robust plan in place to deal with the level four heat alert.

Following the meeting, Sadiq has urged Londoners to only travel if your journey is essential on Monday 18 and Tuesday 19 July – and if you do so, be prepared for disruption to services as precautionary speed restrictions will need to be introduced on parts of the Tube and Rail network, which will mean a reduced service. Very hot temperatures can also affect rails, overhead power lines and signalling equipment so track temperature and safety checks will continue to be carried out regularly across the Tube and rail networks to ensure they remain safe. Customers who must travel should check the latest update to services before their journey and always carry water.

The Mayor of London has also issued a ‘high’ air pollution alert for Monday, 18 July as alongside the extreme heat we are expecting, London will also experience high levels of air pollution. This follows the latest forecast from Imperial College London which shows that air pollutants will react with the strong sunshine creating high levels of ozone, which can be harmful to health.

Earlier this week Sadiq also triggered a severe weather emergency response in the capital to support rough sleepers struggling to stay safe in soaring temperatures. This ongoing heatwave could be dangerous for anyone, but for people sleeping rough, there are additional risks. That is why City Hall is working with London’s boroughs to prioritise support for some of the most vulnerable Londoners.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “I need to be clear with all Londoners that the next few days will see temperatures that we have never experienced in this city.

“This hot weather is normally something we all welcome but this heatwave brings with it a potential threat to life and means that all of us are going to have to change our routines in order to stay safe. It is vital that we all take sensible precautions to look after ourselves and help reduce the pressure on our emergency services who will be very busy in this extreme heat.



“Londoners need to exercise caution on Monday and Tuesday. This includes only using public transport if your journey is absolutely necessary – and if you do so, plan ahead, carry water and be prepared for significant delays, particularly on the London Underground which will be running with speed restrictions.

“On Monday and Tuesday, Londoners who do not have to travel to their place of work, should work where they feel most comfortable. For many this will mean staying at home – while others may prefer to go to office spaces which may be cooler and air conditioned.

“Remember, these temperatures pose a danger to all Londoners, no matter how fit and healthy they may be.”

“I am also calling for Londoners to continue to look out for the most vulnerable, including the elderly, those living alone, and those with chronic or severe illnesses.”

The Mayor has reminded Londoners of key advice that they should follow during the heatwave. This includes:

• Drink plenty of water, avoid excess alcohol, and take advantage of the 4,000 free water refill locations and more than 100 new water fountains installed by City Hall across the capital.
  
  
• Stay out of the sun at the hottest periods between 11-3pm where possible, and applying sun cream when outdoors. Londoners are also able to take advantage of the Cool Spaces across the capital.
  
  
• Monday and Tuesday, only travel if your journey is essential, and carry water with you when on public transport. The TfL network includes 192 air-conditioned Tube trains, with all London Overground and the Elizabeth line trains air-conditioned, and reflective roofs, insulation and opening windows on buses.
• Avoid the dangers of swimming in the Thames and London's canals and always follow the Fire Brigade’s water safety guidance.
  
  
• Be aware of the heightened fire risk during the heatwave. Consider where you are having barbecues and never barbecue on a balcony. Ensure that all rubbish and cigarettes are properly disposed of.
  
• Use water wisely so as not to waste it. If you can, use leftover water from washing up or baths to water your plants.
  
  
• Avoid unnecessary car journeys and idling as a pollution alert is in effect. Older people and those with lung problems should reduce strenuous physical exertion due to the pollution, and everyone is encourage to limit physical activity to the cooler parts of the day.
  
• Only calling 999 in a genuine emergency. If you or others feel unwell, get dizzy, or have intense thirst, move to a cool place, rehydrate and cool your body down. Londoners can also access expert NHS health advice 24hrs a day by calling 111 or going online.