With Monday due to beak records for extreme heat, Network Rail is warning people to only travel if absolutely necessary.
The Met Office has issued a red weather warning for extreme heat for the east of England, the Midlands and some of the North West, which will continue into Tuesday. An amber warning covers the rest of England, Wales and some of Scotland.
The heat is expected to rise as high as 40oC in some areas, including in the capital.
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Anyone who choses to travel is asked to check the status of their journey before setting off and make sure they are well-prepared for the conditions. They should wear cool clothes, carry portable fans and ensure they have plenty of water to drink.
Passengers who choose to travel despite the warning are being advised to check the status of their journey before travelling and ensure they are well-prepared for the extreme conditions – wearing cool clothes, taking handheld fans and ensuring they have plenty of water to drink. Vulnerable passengers and those with health conditions should avoid travelling on these days.
Rail passengers in Scotland are also being asked to check their journeys before travelling and take sensible precautions.
Jake Kelly, Network Rail’s System Operator group director, said: “Rail passengers in England and Wales should only travel if necessary on Monday and Tuesday as there will be delays and cancellations to train services due to the unprecedented heat we’re expecting.
“The wellbeing of our passengers is our first priority so we’re asking all passengers who decide to travel to take time to prepare before leaving the house. Remember to bring a water bottle with you, along with whatever else you need to keep yourself well in the heat. Water bottles can be refilled for free at most Network Rail’s managed stations.
“Journeys will take significantly longer and delays are likely as speed restrictions are introduced to keep passengers and railway staff safe, so make sure to allow considerably more time to complete your journey and be prepared for very hot conditions
“We’re working closely with MetDesk to monitor forecasts and adapt our plans, and with our train operator colleagues to make sure we can get passengers who need to travel to their destinations safely.”
Network Rail’s specialists are preparing for the heatwave, and will be deployed across the affected areas to mitigate the heat’s impact where possible. However, passengers should expect disruption.
As reported, steel rails absorb heat easily and tend to be around 20 degrees above the surrounding air temperature. When steel becomes very hot it expands and rails can bend, flex and, in serious cases, buckle. Overhead wires can also be affected, and if they do hang too low and increase the risk of getting caught on passing trains — knocking out their electricity.
The overhead electric lines which power trains in some parts of the country are also susceptible to faults in extreme temperatures when the steel wires overheat, which can cause them to hang too low and increase the risk of getting caught on passing trains and knocking out the electricity supply.
Jac Starr, chief executive of the Rail Delivery Group, said: “During hot weather, it’s really important to carry water with you to avoid dehydration. If you start to feel ill, please get off at the next available station and seek help from a member of staff.
“Please allow extra time for your journey on the affected days as speed restrictions can cause delays and cancellations – particularly over longer distances – and check the train running information before you set off.”
Passengers are advised to check before they travel at www.nationalrail.co.uk or with their train operators.
For more information on how Network Rail deals with the hot weather visit: www.networkrail.co.uk/how-we-prevent-tracks-from-getting-too-hot/.
