LNER passengers 'strongly recommended' not to travel amid rare red extreme heat warning
Temperatures expected to reach June record of 40C
Scotland-London train operator LNER has “strongly recommended” passengers not to travel to or from southern England on Wednesday and Thursday because of a rare red extreme heat warning when temperatures could reach 40C.
The east coast main line firm warned of potential disruption from speed restrictions which could lead to delays forcing the cancellation of some services in the expected record June heatwave.
Trains may need to travel slower to reduce stress on tracks and overhead power lines, which can expand in the heat.
Avanti West Coast advised travelling before noon when temperatures will be lower.
Network Rail, which is responsible for tracks and signalling, and train operator CrossCountry, urged passengers to only take essential journeys.
The red zone stretches west from London as far as Swansea and as far north as Birmingham, with a wider amber extreme heat zone covering almost all of Wales and most of England as far north as Manchester over those two days.
The Met Office said temperatures in the shade could reach 37-40C in the red zone and above 30C in the amber area.
It said in the red zone, people should expect “delays on roads and road closures, along with delays and cancellations to rail and air travel, with significant welfare issues for those who experience even moderate delays”.
Network Rail said trains would continue to run but passengers should expect disruption across the network from high temperatures affecting tracks, ground conditions, power and signalling.
Rails in direct sunlight can reach 50C, which could cause them to “expand and curve”, while overhead wires can expand and lose tension.
Network Rail Scotland said it was closely monitoring conditions north of the Border, where temperatures could reach 32C, with speed restrictions possible.
Some tracks have been painted white to reduce their temperatures by 5-10C so they absorb less heat and expand less.
An additional challenge could be posed by thunderstorms forecast for later on Thursday with lightning, heavy rain and strong winds.
A Network Rail spokesperson said: “For safety reasons, trains will operate at reduced speeds and to amended timetables, meaning journeys will take longer and there is a heightened risk of delays, cancellations and last-minute alterations.
“There will be no rail replacement bus services during this period.
“Passengers who do need to travel are strongly advised to prepare for the conditions by bringing plenty of water, wearing sunscreen and a hat, and ensuring that they have a back-up plan in case of disruption.”
LNER said it had lifted some restrictions on tickets up to Friday so passengers could change their travel plans at no extra charge or claim a refund.
It said any speed restrictions would increase journey times so LNER would have to reduce the number of services it operated.
Further information is available at www.lner.co.uk/travel-information/travel-updates/
Network Rail Scotland route director Ross Moran said: “We’re not expecting the same extreme temperatures as elsewhere in the UK, but we’re prepared for warmer weather and ready to act if needed.
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