Warning as playgrounds and pavements become extremely hot

People are being reminded to take extra care outside after some surfaces in London recorded extremely high temperatures this week.

Thermal cameras - which measure heat - showed that some playground mats and pavements reached more than 50 degrees Celcius, much hotter than the air temperature during this week's heatwave.

Experts are advising families to walk pets and visit parks and playgrounds earlier in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are cooler.

They also recommend checking first that playground equipment and the ground aren't too hot to touch.

The pictures were taken by environmental group Greenpeace during this week's hot weather in London.

The temperatures were recorded using thermal cameras, which show how hot different surfaces become.

The highest temperatures appear as bright yellow, orange or white on camera, making it easy to see which surfaces have heated up the most.

Greenpeace said the images show that pavements, roads and playgrounds can become much hotter than the outside air temperature on sunny days.

For example a black rubber floor at a children's playground in north London, recorded a temperature of 53C. While the tarmac at roadworks in central London registered 65C.

Experts say very hot surfaces can be dangerous and a number of organisations urged people to consider using public spaces at cooler times, or not at all.

Many local authorities across London have issued advice to local residents during the heatwave.

Barking and Dagenham Council have asked those going to a park or playground to check play equipment was not too hot before using them.

"Metal slides and other equipment can get really hot in this weather," they added.

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) said it was best for dogs to go on walks early in the morning, or late evening, when temperatures were lower or to skip them altogether because they cannot cool themselves efficiently through sweating.

They suggested: "Take the five-second tarmac test before taking your dog outside: place the palm of your hand on the pavement for five seconds.

"If it is too hot for you, it is too hot for your dog's paws."

In response to the study, Mel Evans from Greenpeace UK, said: "These abnormal temperatures are stretching homes, schools, transport and our own health to breaking point."

Others have said that more shade and green spaces could help keep towns and cities cooler.

Professor Anna Mavrogianni, from University College London (UCL), explained: "A lot of solutions already exist: incorporating greenery and water features, using innovative reflective materials and providing shading are key priorities."

She added that these need to be "applied in an inclusive manner" to make sure they can help people who are most affected by the heat.

This week, Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan set out an action plan to prepare London for future extreme heat, including plans to increase greenery.

His spokesperson said: "In extreme temperatures like we've seen this week, pavements and buildings can become very hot as they absorb heat.

"Trees and canopy cover make a huge difference in providing shade and keeping our surroundings cool as well as providing essential green spaces for Londoners."