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London Underground: A Furnace in Heatwaves
11 Jul
Summary
- Underground temperatures reach 34C, hotter than outside.
- Older train lines like Victoria and Bakerloo are worse.
- Infrastructure is difficult and costly to adapt for heat.
London's underground system is struggling to cope with increasingly routine heatwaves, with temperatures on platforms and in carriages soaring.
Temperatures have been recorded as high as 34C underground, significantly hotter than the outside air, making conditions almost unbearable for commuters. Certain lines, like the Victoria and Bakerloo lines, are identified as being particularly affected due to their depth and older rolling stock.
Experts describe the tube tunnels as acting like radiators, absorbing heat from the surrounding clay and concrete, with additional heat generated by the trains themselves. This effect is amplified during hot weather.
The aged infrastructure presents significant challenges for adaptation, with experts suggesting immediate focus should be on passenger safety. Options include limiting passenger numbers or reducing train services during extreme heat.
Transport for London (TfL) states it is investing in network resilience and new air-conditioned trains for lines like the Piccadilly and DLR, while acknowledging that funding challenges have necessitated prioritization of other upgrades.
