Red weather warning: Rail passengers warned not to travel on Monday or Tuesday as heatwave strains network

Rail passengers in England and Wales have been told to travel only if absolutely necessary on Monday and Tuesday, as potentially record-breaking 40C heat is expected to put strain on the network.

The Met Office has issued its first-ever red weather warning for extreme heat, covering large parts of north, central and south-east England on Monday and Tuesday, prompting the Government to declare a national emergency.

Network Rail warned of cancellations at short notice and extended journey times due to speed restrictions, as it urged the public to avoid unnecessary journeys.

Jake Kelly, System Operator group director at Network Rail, 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 of 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.”

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The current forecast temperatures will see the introduction of speed restrictions on railway lines across the country to ensure the safe running of trains, Network Rail said.

The impact on train services will vary by region, but journeys will take “significantly longer” and there is a high likelihood of cancellations, delays and last-minute alterations.

Passengers are being advised to check the status of their journey before travelling and ensure they are prepared for the extreme conditions.

Vulnerable passengers and those with health conditions should avoid travelling altogether.

A No 10 spokesman said railway speed restrictions may be needed on “some parts of the network next week to manage the hot weather and to avoid any potential damage”.

Steel rails absorb heat easily and tend to hover about 20 degrees above the surrounding air temperature, meaning they could hit 60C, making them more likely to bend, flex, and in some cases, buckle.

Trains run at slower speeds in extremely hot weather to place the rails under less strain.

Overhead electric lines are also susceptible to faults in extreme temperatures when steel wires overheat, which can cause them to hang low. This increases the risk of them getting caught on passing trains and knocking out the electricity supply.

Avanti West Coast told passengers who wish to use services between London Euston and Scotland to plan ahead.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan warned those in the capital that they made need to make “substantial changes” to daily routines as there is “likely” to be an effect on travel.

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The RAC has also warned that the extreme heat is expected to cause an additional 1,000 breakdowns on the roads on Monday and Tuesday, particularly as drivers flee cities to the coast and other waterside locations.

RAC breakdown spokesperson Rod Dennis told Yahoo! News: “With a rare red weather warning for extreme heat in force, there’s now every possibility a larger than normal number of drivers will suffer breakdowns over the next few days.

“We anticipate there could be around 15 to 20 per cent more breakdowns on Monday and Tuesday, which equates to more than 1,000 extra people needing help each day.

“Such a large increase in people needing assistance is bound to put pressure on all breakdown services, so it’s essential drivers have an emergency kit with them to keep as safe as possible while they wait for help – ideally in a safe location in the shade.”

Meanwhile, gritting lorries, usually seen in winter, have been deployed in parts of the country to combat the risk of melting roads.

In Warwickshire, stone dust is being spread to soak up excess tar should tarmac overheat.

Sean Sidley, AA patrol of the year, said: “There are reports of road gritters being out (with sand) this weekend to reduce the chances of our roads melting.

“If it does get sticky on the roads, there’s nothing worse than being stuck in a jam with the mercury rising, so make sure you carry plenty of water – at least a litre per person – and sufficient fuel, or if you’re driving an electric vehicle make sure you have plenty of charge so you can use the air conditioning when needed.”