England has just had its warmest June on record, with temperatures climbing to 37.7°C in parts of the country. With July set to bring another heatwave, London Underground commuters are turning to portable fans for relief. Some passengers have become 'Side Blowers' — generous individuals who angle their personal fans to cool fellow travelers.
Central line passengers endured 39.4°C
Passengers on the Central line, known as London's hottest Tube line, recently endured journeys at 39.4°C. Those without fans often suffer. But Side Blowers are stepping up. Metro's US News Reporter Sarah Hooper, a self-proclaimed Side Blower, says: 'Most of the time people refuse to accept it (British politeness, maybe I was too American for them) but I angled it towards some people who looked miserable anyways.'
Strangers sharing cool air
Senior Social Media Journalist Lauryn Berry was delighted when 'multiple people who had fans kept pointing them at me. They were all complete strangers — just deciding to share the cool air.' Bethan Sandall, 25, adds: 'Before the heatwave, when I’d see people with a handheld electric fan on The Tube I’d think “oh get a grip”, but now I’m all for it. It’s so helpful when other people bring their fans along.'
Not everyone is convinced
However, some question the effectiveness. Rob Young, Metro's Deputy Head of Platforms, Social & Communities, says: 'Travelling home on a packed Lizzie Line train, I actually think the sporadic faint breeze from a woman’s fan made me hotter.' Lifestyle Reporter Maicey Navarro Griffiths notes: 'I have felt other people’s fans before on the tube, but barely. If anything, it’s more of a tease than it is helpful.'
Research warns of risks above 35°C
Research published in 2025 found that at temperatures above 35°C, fans can accelerate dehydration and cardiovascular strain, pushing hot air over the skin. Below 35°C, fans are highly effective at preventing overheating. With Tube temperatures often exceeding that threshold, Side Blowers may offer psychological comfort more than physical cooling.
Keeping cool at home
For those braving the Tube and returning home, experts suggest placing a bottle filled with ice and a tablespoon of salt in front of a fan to create cooler air. Closing curtains and blinds, especially blackout varieties, also helps keep rooms cool. Open windows can let hot air in, defeating the purpose of a fan.
