What are the hottest Tube lines? Underground goes into meltdown amid record breaking May temperatures
London’s Underground faced severe delays and record temperatures of up to 34.3C on May’s hottest day, with commuters reporting 'sauna-like' conditions on the Central and Jubilee lines. Transport for London (TfL) confirmed ongoing investments in air conditioning and ventilation but acknowledged climate change is worsening extreme heat events, as scientists linked the heatwave to human-driven greenhouse gas emissions.
London’s transport network experienced a meltdown on Tuesday as temperatures reached the hottest May day on record, with the mercury hitting 35C in Kew Gardens. The Underground recorded extreme heat, peaking at 34.3C on the Central Line platform at Oxford Circus, while other lines like the Bakerloo, Victoria, and Jubilee also exceeded 30C. Commuters described conditions as 'like a sauna,' with delays reported on the Central and Jubilee lines during rush hour. TfL’s Director of Customer Operations, Nick Dent, stated that improvements are underway to enhance resilience against extreme heat, including energy-efficient solutions on new trains and expanded air conditioning. Currently, over 190 Tube trains—covering 40% of the network—feature air conditioning, alongside all London Overground and Elizabeth line trains. Future upgrades, such as new Piccadilly Line and DLR trains, will further extend cooling systems. Scientists attributed the heatwave to a 'heat dome' weather system but emphasized climate change is intensifying such events. The Met Office’s climate attribution study last summer found rising chances of surpassing May temperature records due to human greenhouse gas emissions. Peter Thorne of Maynooth University’s Icarus Climate Research Centre called the records 'mind-bogglingly crazy,' reinforcing the link between extreme heat and climate change. Campaigners warned the heatwave underscores the urgency of addressing climate impacts, as temperatures in London and western Europe continue to break records. TfL’s long-term investments aim to mitigate discomfort but acknowledge the broader challenge of adapting infrastructure to worsening climate conditions.
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