High pollution warning issued for London

London officials issued a high air pollution alert for Tuesday, forecasting temperatures above 30C. City Hall indicated that strong sunshine and airflows from mainland Europe could elevate ozone levels. The mayor's office will display the alert on bus stop countdown boards and London Underground signs. Deputy Mayor Mete Coban highlighted the connection between London's air quality and around 4,000 premature deaths annually. He urged residents to avoid idling engines and refrain from burning waste to mitigate pollution.

The warning system, implemented in 2016, relies on the government's Daily Air Quality Index. An external report stated that high pollution episodes in London are now rare, with 19 high pollution alerts issued between 2018 and 2023. The UK Health Security Agency has also issued heat health alerts for England, lasting until Wednesday, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.