Footage shows residents and tourists filling their water bottles in Leicester Square while others dipped their legs into the fountain. Others can be seen sitting in shaded public spaces, eating ice cream, or relaxing by the river.
"The city doesn't feel like it was built for it. Every time the heat, you know, climbs up, it's kind of tough. You have to kind of rearrange your day and do things a bit differently," said Lola, a Greek resident.
Residents and tourists struggle with the hot weather in London, May 2026. Video by Viory
She said the high temperatures had made daily routines more complicated, particularly for pet owners.
"It's really tough when you have a really active dog and it's really hot. You can't just walk around like normal or go to the park, so we come out here for a little swim," she explained.
