Why does the London Underground get so hot when its in the shade?

Answer 1

Hot people come in from outside.
The trains' motors, lights, etc. create heat.
The trains soak up the sun on the overground sections outside central London.
All the equipment in the stations (ticket machines, vending machines, barriers, escalators, lifts, lights) all create heat.

Because the trains spend so long in the tunnels, there's no easy way to add air-conditioning - normally the heat is expelled to the outside, but that would just heat up the tunnels and stations more.

Also, underground isn't completely cold - in winter the earth just a couple of feet underground will often be warmer than the air above.

In a long hot period (like the past couple of weeks) the heat builds up.

Answer 2

In my experience it doesn't normally. But during a prolonged heatwave (as we're experiencing currently) the heat will work through the earth and eventually create a round the clock unpleasant heat/stickiness.

Unfortunately just as this will take several days to create the effect it will also most likely take several days after the heatwave to dissipate.

Answer 3

i would'nt know to this question but i wont travel on the london underground because of the london bombings on the 7th july 2005

Answer 4

Its not in the shade at all. Its underground.

Answer 5

thats like saying why does an oven get hot when its in the shade!! sunlight isn't the only factor affecting temperature

Answer 6

No air circulation.

Answer 7

the heat

Answer 8

good question, is it cos. theres no air con.