A “high” pollution alert has been issued by the Mayor of London for today (Tuesday, August 12) as temperatures are set to rise to 33C in the capital. Urgent advice has been issued while the pollution alert is in place to help protect the city’s most “vulnerable”.
The alerts will be visible at various locations around London including all bus stop countdown signs, as well as on the London Underground. An Amber Heat Health Alert has also been issued for large parts of the country, including the South East, until 6pm tomorrow (Wednesday, August 13).
The Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy, Mete Coban said: “London’s toxic air is responsible for around 4,000 premature deaths in the capital each year, which is why the Mayor has done everything in his power to tackle it, including launching the world’s largest clean air zone.
“We are urging Londoners to look after themselves in this pollution alert during the hot weather, stop their engines idling, and refrain from burning wood or garden waste – all of which contribute to high levels of pollution. This is particularly important in order to protect those who are most vulnerable as we continue working to build a safer and greener London for all.”
The Mayor has warned that the hot temperatures in London are expected to create high ozone levels, as the sun reacts to to pollution present in the atmosphere. Air flow from mainland Europe is also likely to contribute to the increase in London’s ozone levels.
Why has a pollution alert been issued?
The alerts are issued when pollution levels are categorised as being moderate or high by Imperial College’s London forecasters, who advise City Hall. With the weather set to reach 33C today, there is a risk of ‘high’ ozone levels being created in the capital.
This happens through a reaction between pollution and the prolonged heat in the capital. Longer-range pollutants being blown over from mainland Europe are also expected to contribute to this. The high pollution alert is in place over the capital until tomorrow, when this will reduce back down to moderate.
Who is at risk?
Air pollution alerts are issued using Defra’s Air Quality Index, which is numbered one to 10 and divided into four bands; low (one to three) to very high (ten). When air quality is low, people are encouraged to enjoy outdoor activities as normal.
Alerts are issued when air quality is moderate, high or very high. In today’s case, certain groups are being advised to reduce their outdoor activity while the alert is in place.
Anyone who is experiencing discomfort such as sore eyes, a cough or sore throat is also being asked to reduce their activity, especially if it is outdoors. Defra’s Air Quality Index says: “Adults and children with lung problems, and adults with heart problems, should reduce strenuous physical exertion, particularly outdoors, and particularly if they experience symptoms. People with asthma may find they need to use their reliever inhaler more often. Older people should also reduce physical exertion.”
Hour-by-hour London weather forecast
- 11am – 27C
- 12pm – 30C
- 1pm – 31C
- 2pm – 31C
- 3pm – 32C
- 4pm – 32C
- 5pm – 32C
- 6pm – 31C
- 7pm – 30C
- 8pm – 28C
- 9pm – 26C
- 10pm – 25C
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