London prepares for return of 40C heatwave with ‘disaster planning’ exercise [Video]

An emergency planning exercise preparing London for a return of 40C heatwave was being held on Thursday.

Temperatures in the capital hit a record 40.2 Celsius in July 2022 and the London Fire Brigade saw its busiest day since the Second World War tackling more than 200 wildfires.

Operation Helios, which is being run by City Hall, will test the readiness of emergency service and health organisations to come to the aid of Londoners in the event of five consecutive days of extreme heat.

Soaring temperatures pose a critical health risk, especially to the elderly, babies and people with breathing difficulties. Scorching temperatures are often followed by flash flooding.

However, temperatures are forecast to fall to 22C in London on Friday but rise to 25C with a day of sunshine on Saturday.

On average, temperatures at the festival are expected to be about 5C lower than the capital.

The festival at Worthy Farm in Somerset gets …