Strong Winds Hit London Construction Sites: Gusts Reach 36 mph
Construction firms across London are responding to strong wind conditions today and tomorrow, with gusts peaking at around 36mph according to live Met Office data. The conditions have triggered site-wide safety checks and operational pauses on cranes and elevated platforms across the city.
The Met Office recorded gusts between 34–37 mph across Greater London.
Safety Measures Activated Across the Capital
Contractors are reminding teams of the critical importance of weather-related controls, especially on high-rise and open-structure projects. Many principal contractors temporarily suspended lifting operations or adjusted work schedules to prioritise safety under the Building Safety Act framework.
Key measures being reinforced today include:
➜ Monitoring real-time wind speeds before using tower cranes and MEWPs
➜ Inspecting and re-anchoring scaffold tie-ins and debris netting
➜ Securing loose materials, signage, and temporary fencing
➜ Reinforcing communication through daily briefings and weather alerts
Even at 30–35mph, wind loads on scaffold sheeting or suspended loads can become unsafe, said one London site manager. Stopping work for a few hours is far better than risking an incident.
October marks the beginning of the seasonal transition when weather-related risks sharply increase. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has previously issued reminders for duty holders to incorporate weather resilience into project planning and temporary works designs.
Wind management is not just a technical requirement but a legal duty under CDM 2015. Site managers are encouraged to record weather conditions within their daily diaries and toolbox talks, ensuring full traceability for future audits or investigations.
The Met Office forecasts winds to ease gradually over the next 48 hours but warns of further unsettled weather through the week. Contractors are urged to maintain readiness, particularly for weekend and night shifts when reduced supervision can heighten risks.
London’s skyline remains dotted with cranes and scaffold structures, each one requiring careful attention under variable autumn weather. As the capital continues to build upward, resilience to the elements remains an essential part of safe, compliant and sustainable construction practice.
