correct. Thankfully, the climate has cooled down since then (50 years), so nobody needs to die these days.
I asked chatGPT to compare summer heatwaves between London and Telford.
Here is the response:
London and smaller UK cities like Telford experience heatwaves very differently, even when exposed to the same regional weather systems. Here's a breakdown of key differences in how heatwaves affect them:
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London vs Telford: Heatwave Comparison
Factor London Telford
Urban Heat Island Very strong (up to +5–6 °C at night) Weak to moderate (often only +1–2 °C)
Night-time temperatures Frequently above 20–25 °C (tropical nights) Usually cooler by 3–5 °C, rarely tropical
Peak daytime highs Often 1–3 °C hotter due to built environment Lower max temps due to green space & elevation
Heatwave duration Longer retention of heat, slower cooldown Shorter events, faster cooling after sunset
Air quality impact Worse—pollutants amplify heat stress Better—more vegetation, fewer emissions
Population vulnerability Higher—more elderly in flats, higher density Lower, though risk still exists
Cooling capacity Limited in old buildings, high energy use Newer homes in towns like Telford often better insulated
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️ Real-World Example: July 2022 Heatwave
London (Heathrow): Peaked at 40.2 °C, tropical nights above 24 °C.
Telford (Shropshire): Reached ~37 °C, with night-time lows dropping to around 18–19 °C.
That 3–5 °C difference—especially at night—can dramatically affect human health, especially in poorly ventilated housing.
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️ Why Is London Hotter?
Density of buildings: Tall, close-packed structures absorb and trap heat.
Dark surfaces & concrete: Absorb more solar radiation.
Air stagnation: Less wind, more pollution.
Fewer trees per capita: Less shading and evapotranspiration.
In contrast, Telford, a planned town with more green space, lower building density, and newer infrastructure, stays noticeably cooler.
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Health & Social Impact
In London, the 2022 and 2025 heatwaves resulted in hundreds of excess deaths, especially among elderly and socially isolated populations.
In Telford and towns like it, while health impacts still occurred, mortality rates were lower, partly due to cooler nights and lower air pollution levels.
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Summary
London:
Hotter, longer-lasting, and more dangerous heatwaves.
High vulnerability due to housing, infrastructure, and population density.
Telford:
Cooler and shorter events.
More resilience due to green space and lower urban intensity.
www.bbc.co.uk
www.euronews.com
