London is experiencing extreme heat, with temperatures expected to reach up to 40C (104F) as a "heat dome" pushes across the country. This weather event has prompted dire health warnings and concerns about widespread disruption. The Met Office has issued a rare red extreme heat warning for London, parts of the Midlands, and southeast Wales, which has been extended until Thursday evening. Amber warnings are also in place for Friday and Saturday for other parts of England.
Amidst these conditions, television personality Amanda Holden was photographed in Leicester Square on Wednesday, wearing a plunging dress. Elsewhere in the city, actress Hannah Waddingham attended a photocall for the action-adventure-comedy series "Ride Or Die" in Trafalgar Square. Waddingham posed alongside co-stars Octavia Spencer and Bill Nighy. In the series, Waddingham and Spencer play best friends, with Waddingham's character revealed to be an international assassin. The show's synopsis describes a plot where the two friends go on the run after a hit goes wrong, forcing them to confront secrets.
Britain's highest recorded temperature is 40.3C (104.5F), set in July 2022. Forecasters anticipate that the 50-year June temperature record of 35.6C (96.1F) could be surpassed. Some areas have already experienced "tropical nights," with overnight temperatures remaining above 20C (68F).
The extreme heat has impacted travel and work patterns. Data from O2 Motion indicated a decrease in people travelling into London's City center, with a 12% drop in commuters by 9 a.m. compared to the previous week. Travel to King's Cross station was down 11%, and journeys to Westminster fell by 7% during the same period, suggesting adherence to advice to stay home.