As temperatures reach new heights across the UK, the mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has launched London’s first ever heat plan, Heat Ready London.
The new Heat Ready London vision focuses on priority areas where change is most needed, calling for the protection of those at highest risk of extreme heat, retrofitting of buildings, expanded access to cooling spaces and improved infrastructure resilience
“The need for action is becoming increasingly urgent as London experiences more frequent and severe heatwaves,” reads the plan. Since record-breaking temperatures in May 2026, and a red heat warning was issued by the Met Office in June 2026 when parts of the capital city experienced 36.4°C, Khan says:
“Rising temperatures are no longer a future threat – they are becoming a growing reality for Londoners. It is affecting our communities, from homes and high streets to schools, hospitals and care services.
“That is why I am proud to unveil Heat Ready London, London’s first ever heat plan. This is a new vision that will help tackle the huge obstacles we face with rising temperatures.”
Heat Ready London covers five objectives for a heat-resilient London:
1. Protect Londoners from the health impacts of high temperatures
2. Reduce inequalities by prioritising those most at risk
3. Ensure buildings, public realm, and green spaces are adapted to heat and provide shade
4. Maintain essential services and infrastructure
5. Support productivity and economic resilience
This comes as organisations such as The Woodland Trust, the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) and the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) are urging the government to act now to cool UK cities through green infrastructure with a new plea.