Tourists were left stranded today after the London Eye broke down during Britain’s hottest day of the year.

Footage shared on social media shows announcements being made at the world-famous attraction, confirming that engineers were working urgently to fix the issue. Crowds gathered in sweltering 28°C heat, waiting to board the 135-metre-high landmark on the South Bank.

The breakdown coincided with soaring temperatures across the capital, with the Met Office confirming the South East experienced the hottest day of 2025 so far. Temperatures reached 29°C in London, with forecasters warning there was even a 30% chance of hitting 30°C — which would mark the earliest date such heat has ever been recorded in the UK.

A Met Office spokesperson told UKNIP:

Temperatures will be hitting 29°C across the South East of England today, bringing the hottest day of the year. There is even a 30% chance of seeing 30°C heat.

Despite the intense heat, many visitors remained in good spirits, with some seen sipping bottled water and taking refuge in the limited shade available near the attraction. However, several families with young children were visibly distressed by the heat and the extended waiting times.

At this stage, it remains unclear how long the London Eye will remain closed. Staff on-site have reassured visitors that technicians are working “as quickly as possible” to restore normal operations.

The incident adds to a series of recent disruptions around London during today’s heatwave. Earlier, St Mary’s Hospital was evacuated after a fire broke out, and two Metropolitan Police horses were attacked by an off-the-leash dog during a patrol in central London.

Tourists are being advised to check the London Eye’s official channels for updates before traveling to the attraction.