London Hotter Than Barbados This Week as Temperature Soars to 34°C

Londoners have been sweltering through what has been the hottest week of the year so far as temperatures soared to 34°C on Tuesday, making the capital warmer than tropical places like Barbados and Jamaica. The intense heat marks the peak of a heatwave gripping southern England, prompting an amber heat-health alert from the UK Health Security Agency and warnings for vulnerable residents to stay indoors and hydrated.

Forecasters are attributing the searing conditions to a high-pressure system or “heat dome” stalling over western Europe. This weather pattern is also fuelling extreme temperatures across France, Spain, and Italy, where highs have climbed above 42°C and wildfires have broken out in Turkey.

The Met Office issued a statement on Monday, saying the highest temperature is expected to be in London and the South East, with places like Manchester, Sheffield, Bristol and Cambridge soaring low 30s. In London, demand for water and electricity surged, while NHS services braced for an uptick in heat-related health issues. Grassland fire risk across the southeast remains high, with the London Fire Brigade urging the public to avoid open flames and BBQs in parks.

Relief is on the way, with temperatures set to drop sharply on Wednesday to a cooler 23°C amid clouds and potential thunderstorms. The rest of the week is forecast to stay warm but more manageable, hovering around 26–28°C before easing to the low twenties by early next week. “Fresher air and some rainfall will move in from the west through the rest of the week, bringing an end to this heatwave, although many parts will remain dry and still see plenty of sunshine”, said Met Office Chief Meteorologist Paul Gundersen.

However, the respite may be short-lived. Long-range forecasts suggest a second wave of intense heat could return by mid-July, possibly pushing the mercury beyond 35°C once again. Speed restrictions have been enforced on the Brighton mainline as temperatures on the railway track soared upto 60°C.

Across Europe, red alerts remain in place for much of the Mediterranean basin. In southern France and Italy, officials are battling wildfires and urging citizens to avoid travel during peak heat hours. Water bottles are being offered in Paris public transports and the Eiffel Tower has been closed.

In the meantime, Londoners are advised to check on neighbours, avoid unnecessary travel, and take all precautions as this serious heatwave continues to unfold.