As temperatures in London are set to soar to record highs this week and next, and a severe heatwave warning has been issued by the Met Office, Tube passengers can expect to experience extreme discomfort on the trains and platforms. Tube operators have said they will be implementing emergency measures to help keep passengers cool, but at best such measures will be of limited practical help.

With the absence of any form of air-conditioning on the trains, conditions in the Underground will be intensely uncomfortable, and, if temperatures reach predicted highs of 45C (113F) in some parts of the Tube system, at dangerous levels for some passengers.

This is the first time that the Met Office has issued a heatwave warning since the system was brought in two years ago. The Office has warned that the UK could reach level four of the Heatwave Plan by midweek, rising from the current amber level two. That would signal a national state of emergency, with possible water shortages and greatly increased strains on the health service.

London and the south east will experience the highest temperatures in the country, expected to rise beyond 33C (91F) during the day and above 18C (64F) even at night. Temperatures will surge past these to reach sweltering levels on the Underground, and transport officials are giving passengers health advice to help them cope with the extreme conditions. This includes carrying water on all journeys and alerting Tube staff if they feel unwell or are struggling in the heat.

A spokesman for the Department of Health warned that the heat can be especially dangerous for the elderly and very young as well as people with serious illnesses. He said, “In particular, it can make heart and respiratory problems worse. In extreme cases, excess heat can lead to heat stroke, which can be fatal.”

It won’t be until next summer that Underground trains are fitted with air-conditioning. For now, it seems the only concrete measure London Transport can take is to move in 36 giant fans into ticket halls. On their part passengers can do little but heed the health advice and try to minimize their time spent on the Tube.

As summers get hotter, Londoners may find that instead of an umbrella they should always make sure to take a fan when they leave the house – decidedly low-tech, but a helpful aid for keeping cool.

 
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