With hotter weather predicted to return to parts of the UK this week, new analysis [1] by Friends of the Earth reveals the areas [2] in London most at risk from dangerous heatwaves.

Using 2022 heatwave data – when UK temperatures soared above 40°C for the first time and more than 4,500 people died as a result [3] – Friends of the Earth researchers mapped out the third of the country that experienced the hottest temperatures, and which are highly likely to be exposed to future heatwaves.

The average maximum daytime air temperature in neighbourhoods in this third of the country was 38oC over a 72-hour period, which is 10oC higher than the heatwave threshold used by the Met Office. In other words, these places were dangerously hot. In our research we refer to these as high heat neighbourhoods.

Altogether 4,715 high heat neighbourhoods were identified across England of which 1,002 were in London.

An interactive map enables people to check out the location of high heat neighbourhoods in their area.

Friends of the Earth’s analysis also found that the 1,002 high heat neighbourhoods in London contained:

1,294 care/ nursing homes – older people living in care homes and those with health conditions, face significantly increased risks from extreme heat. Care homes and their residents are particularly prone to overheating, with over-75s having very high mortality rates from extreme heat.  And as the recent pandemic revealed, care homes are under-funded and have acute staff shortages.
177 hospitals – many hospitals are already struggling to stay cool in summer. In 2022-23, the NHS recorded 6,822 instances of hospitals overheating in England.
2,627 nurseries – under-5s are particularly vulnerable to warmer temperatures because their bodies are less able to regulate heat.
There have been thousands of heat-related deaths across the country in recent years and the numbers are expected to rise as climate change gathers pace. According to estimates more than 250 people died in London alone during the June/ July heatwave earlier this year [4].

Extreme heat poses a threat to everyone, but some – such as older people, young children, people with health issues and hospital patients – are particularly at risk.

A list of the Parliamentary constituencies with the most care homes in high heat neighbourhoods in London is headed by Croydon South [5]. The local authority in the region with most care homes in these heatwave hotspots is Croydon [6].

Friends of the Earth is calling on the government to take urgent steps to protect people who live in care homes and attend hospitals and nurseries. They must be prioritised for measures to mitigate extreme heat, including upgrades to buildings poorly equipped for high temperatures and staff training to help safeguard residents

Public support for tougher action on heat

There is significant public support for stronger measures to protect people from heatwaves and other extreme weather events. A new YouGov survey [7] for Friends of the Earth, published today, found:

84% would support polices to adapt care home buildings and train staff to protect older people during heatwaves
81% think the government should develop a plan to protect those most at risk from extreme weather
Friends of the Earth campaigner, Denis Fernando, said:

“Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and more extreme as climate change gathers pace.

“The UK has been hit by thousands of heat-related deaths over recent years, and this could rise to over 10,000 a year by 2050, according to government advisors.

“Extreme heat affects us all – but some communities and people are affected harder than others, including older people, young children, people with health issues and hospital patients.

“The government must act now and urgently overhaul its weak climate adaptation plans to protect communities, especially those most at risk, from increasingly severe weather events such as heatwaves, floods and storms – as well as doing more to cut the emissions that are fuelling the crisis.”