On the most extreme London days — when amber or red heat-health alerts are in force — unnecessary travel is best avoided, and essential travel needs planning. This guide covers moving safely in extreme heat: what to avoid, what to prioritise, and why a cool car can be a genuine health measure, not a luxury.
When heat becomes a health emergency
The UK Health Security Agency issues tiered heat-health alerts; amber and red mean risk to health across the population, not just the vulnerable. On these days, deaths and hospital admissions rise. Travel that seemed routine — a hot Tube, a long walk, a wait on a baking platform — carries real risk, especially for those already at the edge.
What to avoid in extreme heat
- Deep Tube lines at peak — hottest, most crowded, least ventilated
- Long walks in direct sun — especially carrying luggage or with children
- Standing waits — exposed platforms and stops with no shade
- The hottest hours — roughly 11am–3pm; travel earlier or later where possible
Prioritising essential journeys safely
If a journey is essential — a medical appointment, getting a vulnerable person home, an unavoidable flight — minimise heat exposure end to end. A door-to-door heat-wave safe taxi is often the safest option: indoor waiting, a pre-cooled cabin, no platforms, water on request, and a driver who avoids the standstills where a car heats up. For older or unwell passengers, that’s a health safeguard.
Looking out for others
Extreme heat is when to check on elderly neighbours and relatives. If you’re arranging travel for someone vulnerable, our vulnerable-traveller guide and older-passenger transfers set out the extra care that makes a hot-day journey safe.
This guide is general information, not medical advice. In an emergency or suspected heat stroke, call 999.
FAQs
Is it safe to travel during a red heat-health alert?
What transport should I avoid in extreme heat?
Why is a taxi safer than the Tube in extreme heat?
Can you help move a vulnerable person in a heat wave?
Book a fixed-fare taxi
Send us the train, flight or ship details and we handle the rest — tracking, meet & greet and waiting time are all in the fixed fare.