Heat in London
Jun 8th, 2004, 10:53 AM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 488
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Heat in London
I just saw on Yahoo Weather that it's 84 degrees Fahrenheit in London today - looks like they may be in for another heat wave this summer if this keeps up. The people riding the Tube will be melting. I live in Los Angeles and we are only getting up to 70 today. go figure.
Jun 8th, 2004, 11:05 AM
#2
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 12,188
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I think this provides a partial answer as to whether air conditioning in London hotel rooms is a good idea.
Admittedly, last year when I was in London it got up to 86F, and my non-A/C hotel room did not bother me. Maybe I arrived back late enough and left early enough that it worked out okay.
Admittedly, last year when I was in London it got up to 86F, and my non-A/C hotel room did not bother me. Maybe I arrived back late enough and left early enough that it worked out okay.
Jun 9th, 2004, 04:57 AM
#3
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,923
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
It's much cooler today. You have to remember that the UK is on the edge of everyone else's weather systems - therefore changeable, highly influenced by what's coming in off the Atlantic, but rarely extreme.
Jun 9th, 2004, 05:26 AM
#4
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 802
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
It is rare to get it so hot - and it rarely lasts more than a few days at that temperature. It's really very pleasant today - about 74F with a light breeze. If you are travelling over though, the most important thing that I'd say is that if you are travelling on the tube, there is no A/C and it's therefore AWFUL. It was around 120F yesterday and if there are delays and/or you don't get a seat, you really need to be prepared. A bottle of water is generally sufficient - along with a bottomless pit of patience and good-humour!
Jun 20th, 2005, 01:01 PM
#6
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 4,667
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
>>>>>
It is so strange that the bus windows hardly open and no stores have A/C. Even some movies dont have A/c.
>>>>>>
not really...i slept with the windows open for the first time ever in my place, and i don't like it too stuffy. it's just not needed 99% of the time. since a great many buildings in the UK don't even have central heat, i would not find the lack of aircon very surprising.
It is so strange that the bus windows hardly open and no stores have A/C. Even some movies dont have A/c.
>>>>>>
not really...i slept with the windows open for the first time ever in my place, and i don't like it too stuffy. it's just not needed 99% of the time. since a great many buildings in the UK don't even have central heat, i would not find the lack of aircon very surprising.
Jun 20th, 2005, 05:00 PM
#7
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 836
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The prospect of a "very warm" summer is making me very happy we chose a larger, chain hotel for our August lodging (the sort of place we used to eschew in favor of 'character.')
Also interesting to learn that London's tube is like NYC's subway...HOT! And...beyond HOT! Why is that? I
n Chicago, you descend to the subway and - oooooooh! you get cool! What a relief. A hot spell in NY a few years ago had us feeling like we truly had taken the express elevator to Hades.
Also interesting to learn that London's tube is like NYC's subway...HOT! And...beyond HOT! Why is that? I
n Chicago, you descend to the subway and - oooooooh! you get cool! What a relief. A hot spell in NY a few years ago had us feeling like we truly had taken the express elevator to Hades.
Jun 21st, 2005, 01:44 AM
#8
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,642
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'm not surprised that trains have no airco. Airco is the least of the problems on the commuter lines into and out of London. Over the week-end and yesterday, all the trains we rode were slower than normal, even the so-called express trains (my "express" train to Maidenhead yesterday afternoon--which was standing room only--ground to a halt in Ealing Broadway, Southall, West Drayton and Iver, even though none of those are stops on the route. We just sat at the various stations listening to the "we apologise for the delay" mantra). I wish they would come up with a new version of "we apologise for the delay"--I heard it a dozen times over the last few days. My husband's train from MH into London had similar delays, as did his tube ride to Waterloo--he barely made last call for his Eurostar even though he gave himself a 45 minute extra time window over his usual schedule.
FWIW, pollen counts have also been high in the southeast, so if you're a hay fever/seasonal allergy sufferer, come prepared.
FWIW, pollen counts have also been high in the southeast, so if you're a hay fever/seasonal allergy sufferer, come prepared.
Jun 21st, 2005, 02:51 AM
#9
Guest
Posts: n/a
If you take them to the theatre, please tell them about theatre etiquette.
In my experience, Stratford gets many people who are going to the theatre as a tourist experience.
I was behind a party once who behaved as though they were watching TV at home, talking and discussing at the tops of their voices until some of the people around them "shushed" them.
In London, a party of tourists were allowed to enter the auditorium just as the play was starting. Instead of sitting down quietly, they started a loud conversation. Practically the whole audience yelled "shut up!"
The actors on the stage looked startled but carried on after a short pause
In my experience, Stratford gets many people who are going to the theatre as a tourist experience.
I was behind a party once who behaved as though they were watching TV at home, talking and discussing at the tops of their voices until some of the people around them "shushed" them.
In London, a party of tourists were allowed to enter the auditorium just as the play was starting. Instead of sitting down quietly, they started a loud conversation. Practically the whole audience yelled "shut up!"
The actors on the stage looked startled but carried on after a short pause
Jun 21st, 2005, 08:43 AM
#10
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 820
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
BTilke I was in Waterloo station yesterday I may have passed your husband.
NYC transit is no picnic by any means, you stop for no reason for long stretchs of time.
walkinaround, I think because I have asthma I am much more sensitive to the quality of the air. This morning I woke up quite cold and it has been a glorious day weather wise! I know many countries outside the US, that have more moderate climates, do no have central heat or A/C.
NYC transit is no picnic by any means, you stop for no reason for long stretchs of time.
walkinaround, I think because I have asthma I am much more sensitive to the quality of the air. This morning I woke up quite cold and it has been a glorious day weather wise! I know many countries outside the US, that have more moderate climates, do no have central heat or A/C.
Jun 24th, 2005, 12:39 AM
#11
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I must say something about the NYC subways. I ride them all the time. It is NOT hot as they are air conditioned and have been for at least 8 years now that I can remember.
Mayor Guilliani had A/C installed at the beginning of his administration. I have never been on a hot subway car infact they have actually been cold!
The waiting platforms are another thing, but how long do you wait for a subway? 1 min-10 mins.
As far as stopping? London subways have much more delays and stopped cars. I have rode London subways practically every year since 1985 (save the last 4 years)and they are much worst than NYC subways. Infact of all the subways I have taken in the world NYC's is up there with the best. Cool, efficient, fast, compared with others.
Just my 2 cents
Valerie
Mayor Guilliani had A/C installed at the beginning of his administration. I have never been on a hot subway car infact they have actually been cold!
The waiting platforms are another thing, but how long do you wait for a subway? 1 min-10 mins.
As far as stopping? London subways have much more delays and stopped cars. I have rode London subways practically every year since 1985 (save the last 4 years)and they are much worst than NYC subways. Infact of all the subways I have taken in the world NYC's is up there with the best. Cool, efficient, fast, compared with others.
Just my 2 cents
Valerie
Jun 24th, 2005, 06:06 AM
#13
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 57,890
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
ValerieCPA
I hate to disabuse you but Giuliani had nothing to do with AC on the subway. The mayor doesn;t control the subway - the MTA does - which is an independent body (as we all know to our dismay) whose members are appointed/controlled by a combination of suorces includng the city, the state legislature and the governor.
Also - it has not had AC for 8 years. Parts of the subway have had AC for at least 30 years - and as the old cars were replaced they were done so with new AC cars. Most have had AC for at least 20 years.
And yes - the platforms are little hell holes in the summer - since all the hot air coming out of the cars has no place to go but the stations.
Sorry - top highjack the London thread - where I'm sure the subway can be uncomfrtabel inthe summer - but nothing like NYC - since London is so much cooler on average - and the whole system has time to cool down at night when it doesn;t run.
I hate to disabuse you but Giuliani had nothing to do with AC on the subway. The mayor doesn;t control the subway - the MTA does - which is an independent body (as we all know to our dismay) whose members are appointed/controlled by a combination of suorces includng the city, the state legislature and the governor.
Also - it has not had AC for 8 years. Parts of the subway have had AC for at least 30 years - and as the old cars were replaced they were done so with new AC cars. Most have had AC for at least 20 years.
And yes - the platforms are little hell holes in the summer - since all the hot air coming out of the cars has no place to go but the stations.
Sorry - top highjack the London thread - where I'm sure the subway can be uncomfrtabel inthe summer - but nothing like NYC - since London is so much cooler on average - and the whole system has time to cool down at night when it doesn;t run.
Jun 24th, 2005, 07:15 AM
#14
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,657
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
There speaks someone who doesn't have to commute on the Tube in 90F (outside), and over 100F inside the carriages, as it has been this week. London's humidity is notorious.
There's laws about heat protecting cattle in transport, but none to protect us poor commuters!
There's laws about heat protecting cattle in transport, but none to protect us poor commuters!
Jun 24th, 2005, 07:19 AM
#15
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I was stuck in a tunnel on the central line for 20mins with a defective train ahead of us this morning - it was so hot the driver was giving warnings -'if you see someone who looks like they may faint please offer them your seat'
Had a nightmare getting to work
Thats my Friday rant over - I thank you
Had a nightmare getting to work
Thats my Friday rant over - I thank you
Jun 28th, 2005, 07:30 PM
#16
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 836
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Valerie - Get yourself on the turnpike and take a trip to Chicago. In July. Then head downtown and head downstairs - on a 90 degree day. You will experience such relief you can not imagine!!!!
I have never, ever, in my life, been as hot, or as near to expiring, as I felt on a NYC subway platform during a record heat wave. I like NY, a lot. I just - at the time - had never realized that their subways could be such hellholes. Not to mention above-ground with the steam coming out of the street vents and the lst floor window a/c;s spewing out their exhaust.
Repeat: I like NYC, a lot - but on a hot day - deliver meee!
And to keep this on track (so to speak), I'm just crossing my fingers that our four days in London in late August are 'typical.' And also figuring on riding buses, for the sights, rather than tubes, for the speed.
I have never, ever, in my life, been as hot, or as near to expiring, as I felt on a NYC subway platform during a record heat wave. I like NY, a lot. I just - at the time - had never realized that their subways could be such hellholes. Not to mention above-ground with the steam coming out of the street vents and the lst floor window a/c;s spewing out their exhaust.
Repeat: I like NYC, a lot - but on a hot day - deliver meee!
And to keep this on track (so to speak), I'm just crossing my fingers that our four days in London in late August are 'typical.' And also figuring on riding buses, for the sights, rather than tubes, for the speed.
Jun 29th, 2005, 04:59 AM
#18
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,923
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
On a very hot day, tucker, I'd suggest not sitting at the front on top of a bus. In most of the modern ones, there is no window to open at the very front, only at the sides further back. So the people in the front seats are in their very own travelling solarium.
Jun 29th, 2005, 05:57 AM
#20
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,129
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I was on a London bus yesterday afternoon and the heating was on. I made a note of the vehicle's number and will be complaining, but anyone who uses the buses regularly will tell you that they were designed by a sadist whose only previous experience was of designing saunas. Tube passengers don't know how lucky they are!
