As London grapples with scorching temperatures projected to reach 32C later this week, commuters using the TfL network are increasingly concerned about the soaring heat
inside the Underground. The sweltering conditions have led to heightened criticism of the London Underground, colloquially known as the Tube. Here, we identify the Tube lines that are particularly sizzling, based on recent temperature recordings.
The Waterloo and City lines recorded an average temperature of 19.02C per month, while the sub-surface lines, comprising the Circle, District, Hammersmith & City, and Metropolitan lines, registered an average of 18.05C per month.
The Jubilee line, which stretches from Stratford in the east to Stanmore in the suburban northwest, crossing through the Docklands, South Bank, and West End, had an average temperature of 21.42C per month.
The Piccadilly line recorded an average of 23.16C per month. It's worth noting that the Piccadilly line is set to become even cooler in the future, as an upgrade planned for 2025 will introduce air conditioning for the first time on a deep-level Tube train.
The Northern line, running from north to south London with two different routes through central London, had an average temperature of 24.60C per month.
The Central line, with an average of 25.86C per month, experienced its hottest month in August 2022 when temperatures reached a scorching 31.32C. This makes certain sections of the Central line hotter than Ibiza, which typically sees summer averages of 30C. Notably, the high of 31.32C recorded on the Central line is seven degrees higher than the recommended maximum temperature for cattle storage, which typically ranges from 5C to 25C, depending on external weather conditions.
The Bakerloo line, running from Harrow & Wealdstone in suburban northwest London to Elephant & Castle in south London, through the West End, averaged 26.18C per month.
The Victoria line, connecting Brixton and Walthamstow Central, holds the title for the hottest line on the London Underground, with an average temperature of 26.70C per month, according to TfL data. Photo by Tagishsimon at en.wikipedia.