As temperatures soar across the East Midlands, East Midlands Railway (EMR) has been forced to suspend several key services in response to an amber heat-health warning issued by the UK Health Security Agency. The move comes amid forecasts of severe heat, threatening rail infrastructure and posing a risk to operational safety.
From 12:00 BST on Wednesday, trains connecting Nottingham and Worksop, as well as those between Nottingham and Leicester, will be grounded. With further disruption possible, EMR is reviewing timetables for Thursday and Friday, suggesting more changes may follow. To alleviate the impact, rail replacement buses will operate on affected routes.
EMR had already suffered cancellations on Tuesday due to heat-related issues that required train repairs. Now, with temperatures set to rise significantly, the operator advises passengers to limit travel to essential journeys only and check their journey status before departure.
The UKHSA's amber alert, which began at 09:00 BST on Wednesday and is expected to last until Sunday, covers parts of the East Midlands and warns of significant health risks, particularly for vulnerable individuals. Passengers are being told to travel early in the day and stay hydrated.
Philippa Cresswell, EMR's Customer Experience Director, acknowledged the disruption these changes may cause, but stressed that they were necessary to guarantee the railway's safe operation during this heatwave. Those who must travel are urged to avoid the hottest part of the day and carry water with them.