Extreme heat in London has forced the cancellation of a climate event about adapting to extreme heat. The event, called Extreme Heat: Improving Governance and Strengthening Action Around the World, was due to take place on June 24 at the London School of Economics as part of Climate Action Week.
Organizers canceled the event after the Met Office issued a rare red weather warning for extreme heat, covering London and large parts of England and Wales. They said the venue, like many buildings in London, had no cooling system and could not safely host speakers and guests during dangerous conditions.
The UK is facing record-breaking temperatures, with forecasters warning that parts of England and Wales could reach 38°C to 40°C (100°F to 104°F). Health officials also warned that the heat could lead to more deaths (15 have been identified in the UK since late May), particularly among older people and those with existing health conditions.
Heat is one of the clearest signs of the climate crisis, with extreme temperatures threatening health, infrastructure, food supplies, and vulnerable communities. Click on to explore the most significant heat waves ever recorded.