How hot is the tube? We tracked the temperature of the Central Line during the heatwave - here are the results

Commuters complained of temperatures reaching 40C this week

As the UK heatwave drags on, few places have seen their temperature soar quite as much as the London Underground.

The Central Line consistently clocks in as the hottest line on the system and reached highs of 40C this week.

Thermometer in hand, The Independent has travelled across Zone 1 on the Central Line from Liverpool Street to Notting Hill Gate to test the conditions for ourselves.

After a 34C start on the platform at Liverpool Street, temperatures rose to an average of 36C over the course of the journey- peaking at 36.5C at Queensway.

The Central Line drew particular attention this week after Transport for London (TfL) tried to placate hot customers complaining on Twitter with the promise of a new air conditioning system by (early) 2030.

A spokesman for TfL said the firm was “doing all it can” to improve conditions on the Central Line and across the Underground network.

But forecasters have warned that the scorching temperatures are likely to carry on into next month and August is predicted to be hotter and drier than average.