Britain’s rail services are expected to be severely disrupted next week, with trains running slowly to reduce the risk of tracks and equipment failing in extreme heat.
General speed restrictions are likely to be set in the south-east of England, with the air temperature forecast possibly exceeding the highest ever recorded in Britain, which was 38.7 in 2019.
Network Rail’s emergency weather action teams will meet on Friday to examine detailed forecasts and are expected to limit the speed of trains for safety if temperatures exceed 35ºC.
Passengers will be informed that trains are likely to run with serious delays, especially on London’s main entry and exit lines, where a 60 mph speed limit would have a significant effect on fast services.
It means intercity trains to Scotland, Wales and the farthest reaches of England could be interrupted as much or even longer than London and the south-east: the regions expect them to experience warmer temperatures.
Rails, overhead lines and points are susceptible to extreme heat. Steel rails can heat up to 55 ºC on a 35 ºC day, and are more likely to stick when used by trains traveling at higher speeds. Airlines can sink, while the failure of other railway equipment is more likely with heat. Fires along the line are also a risk and railway incident response teams will be on high alert.
A Network Rail spokesman said: “Passengers need to be prepared for extreme temperatures next week and bring a bottle of water to the train when they travel. There will be interruptions, so plan ahead, be prepared and check -before traveling “.
Local speed limits can be set at temperatures above 30 ºC, but general restrictions are likely to be set from Sunday to Tuesday according to current forecasts.
In 2019, many trains were canceled and passengers were advised to avoid traveling in a July heat wave during which a record temperature of 38.7 ºC was recorded in Cambridge.
Network Rail receives detailed weather reports from specialized meteorologists indicating each square mile of railroad and will examine them Friday before announcing any speed limits.
Sign up for the Daily Business Today email or follow Guardian Business on Twitter at @BusinessDesk
Transport for London, meanwhile, said it had a full heat plan to protect its infrastructure and keep services running.
Mark Evers, TfL’s director of customers, said: “During this hot weather, we advise customers to make sure they have water with them when they travel, offer a seat to those who need it and want to travel in quieter times when they travel. ”
Trains of about 40% of the tube network now have air conditioning, as do trains on the London Overground and Elizabeth line. TfL has introduced industrial-sized fans and refrigeration units to pump cold air to older underground lines.