London commuters faced scorching temperatures on the Tube on Monday during the heatwave.
The Central and Bakerloo lines were among parts of the Underground network to reach temperatures in the mid 30s on Monday afternoon, leaving many sweaty and in search of water, while others on the Circle and District lines found some reprieve with air conditioning.
The Central line was recorded by the Standard to be 36C on Monday afternoon, the Bakerloo line slightly cooler at 31C and the Circle line the coolest measured at 28C.
Meanwhile images from the PA news agency recorded temperatures of 35C on a platform at Oxford Circus station, and 33C at Edgware Road tube station.
One commuter on the Central Line told the Standard it was “pretty damn hot”.
“I was sitting, not doing anything and sweating, so you know it has to be pretty hot for that to be happening,” he said.
His advice for other commuters was to opt for the bus, keep cool with cold drinks, wear loose and white clothing and to stay home with the air con if possible.
Two commuters using the Bakerloo Line said even though their Tube was quiet, it was still sweltering.
The pair admitted they were “on the verge” of struggling under the heat but said they were trying to stay cool with water and ice cream.
In contrast, a commuter on the Circle line said it was pleasantly cool on trains thanks to air conditioning.
“It’s not too hot, it’s not too bad. Jubilee wasn’t too bad either”, one commuter said.
Transport for London (TfL) is advising people only to travel if essential during the heatwave.
Many underground lines were severely delayed or partly suspended on Monday due to “heat related speed restrictions”. Tickets are being accepted on buses.
Forecasters have predicted tempertaures could reach 40C in Tuesday in the capital.
