Train services across England and Wales are facing widespread cancellations and significant delays today as extreme heat continues to grip the country. Passengers have been strongly advised to avoid non-essential travel in regions covered by the Met Office’s red warning, which stretches from London to Swansea and from Somerset to Birmingham, remaining in effect until 9pm on Thursday.
Temperatures are predicted to reach as high as 40C in some areas of England and Wales on Wednesday and Thursday. This intense heat is part of a broader 'heat-dome' affecting western Europe, bringing unprecedented conditions across the continent. Network Rail has implemented widespread speed restrictions to mitigate risks such as buckled rails and sagging overhead electric wires, which are more likely to occur in extreme temperatures, leading to substantial disruption.
The impact on public transport has been immediate and severe. As of 7:30am on Wednesday, 11% of all train services across Britain were either cancelled or delayed by over 30 minutes, a significant increase from 4.7% just a week prior. Operators such as Avanti West Coast reported that four out of five of its services were cancelled or heavily delayed. Chiltern Railways has reduced its services to less than half their usual frequency until Friday, affecting key routes including London Marylebone to Birmingham, Oxford, and Aylesbury.
Great Western Railway has urged passengers to use its services for 'essential travel only' on Wednesday and Thursday, citing reduced service frequency and extended journey times due to speed restrictions. LNER has also issued a stark warning, advising customers 'do not travel' on Wednesday or Thursday. Passengers with tickets for these days are being offered flexibility to travel earlier, on Friday, or receive a full refund without charge if they choose not to travel.
Beyond transport, the extreme heat is also causing disruption to education. Somerset Council confirmed that almost 100 schools in the county will be fully closed on Wednesday and Thursday. Similarly, around 100 schools in Buckinghamshire and 86 in Gloucestershire are facing full or partial closures. Some schools have relaxed uniform policies, allowing pupils to wear PE kits instead of traditional blazers and long trousers to help them cope with the heat.