London Heatwave Set to Peak at 34C Today with New ‘Cool Spots’ Opening Across the City
London is bracing for a blistering day as temperatures are expected to soar to 34C on Tuesday, August 12, marking the height of the fourth heatwave this summer.
Western parts of outer London are forecast to endure the most intense heat, with the mercury climbing higher than the already sweltering 31.9C recorded at Heathrow Airport on Monday.
The capital’s heatwave shows no signs of relenting. Experts warn that the warmth will persist throughout the week, accompanied by relentless sunshine and a humid atmosphere.
The UK Health Security Agency has issued an amber heat health alert from 9am today until 6pm on Wednesday, warning of the added pressure this extreme heat may place on emergency services.
Greg Dewhurst, meteorologist at the Met Office, explained on Monday: “The UK is on day two of the heatwave and there is ‘overall a very hot, very warm week to come’.” He outlined that a heatwave is defined as temperatures exceeding 28C in London for three or more consecutive days — a threshold the capital is certainly surpassing.
This is fuelled by a weather pattern bringing lower pressure to the west and higher pressure to the east, creating a southerly airflow that drags hot, humid air from Europe into the UK.
Dewhurst added, “As we go through the week, there’s lots of sunshine and the air isn’t really going anywhere … that sort of then hangs around. It’s drawing in at the moment and then sort of stays across the UK for the rest of the week.”
Today’s temperature forecast is as follows:
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9am: 22C and sunny
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12pm: 30C and sunny
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3pm-5pm: 32C and sunny (with a chance of 34C in parts of London)
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8pm: 28C (nighttime)
While the peak heat will hit today, the Met Office expects temperatures to dip slightly to 28C on Wednesday before climbing again to 31C by Friday. The weekend promises a break with more manageable highs around 26-27, °C paired with continued sunshine.
Finding Relief in Central London
To combat the scorching temperatures, the City of London Corporation has announced a £7.8 million investment in 50 ‘cool spots’ across the Square Mile by 2027. These areas are designed as urban refuges from the heat, featuring more shaded parks and greener walking routes.
Several locations have already benefited from this initiative, including Finsbury Circus, Houndsditch, Jubilee Gardens, Moorgate, London Wall, New Change, and Little Trinity Lane. These ‘cool spots’ provide much-needed relief for Londoners and visitors alike seeking to escape the relentless summer heat.
This London heatwave is a reminder that extreme weather events are becoming increasingly frequent, urging city planners and residents to prepare and adapt. For now, the advice is simple: stay hydrated, find shade, and keep cool.
