The scorching temperatures across London have reached alarming levels, with thermal camera images capturing surface temperatures above 50 degrees Celsius in various locations, including pavements, rail platforms, and playgrounds.
New research by a prominent lobby group shows the severity of the heatwave, with the floor at one location in Holborn reaching a staggering 65°C. The group took thermal images across the city on Wednesday when air temperatures reached 35°C.
A deserted playground in London reached temperatures of 53.4°C, while other hotspots recorded by the group included the Highbury and Islington Overground platform at 62°C, Grays Inn Road pavement at 59°C, and Regent street at 57°C.
The lobby group's head of climate, Mel Evans, described the heatwave as a "public health emergency driven by fossil fuel giants and their planet-heating emissions." Evans emphasized the need for the government to deliver a proper extreme heat plan, with measures to protect vulnerable populations and reduce the impact of climate change.
Professor Stephen Belcher, chief scientist at the Met Office, characterized the heatwave as a "significant weather event" and noted that human-induced climate change has made such events more likely and intense.
London mayor Sadiq Khan has acknowledged the city's inability to deal with frequent and extreme heatwaves, and unveiled the capital's heat plan in response.
The record-breaking heatwave has highlighted the need for immediate action to address the effects of climate change, with experts warning that the city's infrastructure and residents are struggling to cope with the extreme temperatures.
The lobby group's findings serve as a stark reminder of the dangers of climate change and the importance of taking action to mitigate its effects.
Residents are advised to exercise caution when walking their pets, as the rule of thumb is to avoid walking dogs on pavements that are too hot for the back of your hand.
The city's heatwave has also led to concerns about the safety of public spaces, with experts warning that the high temperatures can pose a risk to public health.
