Archive · 30 Jun 2025
London Tube Carriages Face Extreme Heat During Heat Waves
Imagine it's super hot outside, like a heat wave!
Now, imagine getting on the London Tube.
It can be even hotter down there, up to 5C more than on the street!
This is because the tunnels trap heat.
This heat can be bad for your health, especially for older people.
It also makes fewer people want to travel, which hurts the economy.
The Tube is working on it, but it is difficult because the tunnels are old and there are not many options for dealing with extreme heat.
The newest line has air conditioning, but not all trains do.
London's underground train carriages can be up to 5C hotter than street level during heat waves.
TfL acknowledges extreme heat as a major risk to passengers, staff, and the network.
Only 40% of London's subway carriages are air-conditioned; the newest line is fully cooled.
Heat impacts the economy, with 5 million fewer passenger journeys during a 2022 heat wave.
Health risks are increased, particularly for those 65 and over.
- Who
- London commuters and TfL.
- What
- London's underground train carriages get extremely hot during heat waves.
- When
- During heat waves, especially in recent summers, and potentially in future ones due to climate change.
- Where
- London's underground train network.
- Why
- Due to the design of the tube, climate change and limited ventilation.
Passengers
TfL
Passenger Safety and Health
Passengers
Experience high temperatures, which can affect health.
TfL
TfL is facing a challenge due to its age and location, which is difficult to immediately change.
- Temperature Difference
- Up to 5C hotter in carriages than street level.
- Air-Conditioned Carriages
- 40% of the subway network.
- 2022 Passenger Journeys Decrease
- 5 million during a heat wave.
- 2022 Revenue Loss
- $11 million.
- Highest Temperature Recorded
- 33C
- London Heat Wave Definition
- Three consecutive days of 28C maximum temperatures