Weathermen in the city have predicted that the mercury could rise to 32 degrees through the course of the day - quite unnatural for the city at any time of the year. And England and Australia will face off against each other under these conditions at The Lord's Cricket Ground, from 11am (local time).
While the Australians may well be used to playing in hot conditions at home and did recently tour India, the hosts - despite playing around the globe - may not be able to adapt to the surprising heat at home too easily. After all, the intensity of the heat can be gauged from the fact that the warning issued is a level three alert - one below national level emergency. (Suggested read: England face tough choice over 2nd Test attack)
While high-risk groups - children and elderly - have been advised to take precautions, fans at Lord's may do well by taking adequate measures to shield themselves from the sun. As for the players, the heat of cricket may well face stiff competition from the actual heat on the ground and in the stadium.
The Ashes: Heat of cricket vs heat wave in London
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