UK rail urges essential travel only during red heat warning

Rail passengers across large parts of England have been urged to avoid all but essential travel on Wednesday and Thursday as a rare red extreme heat warning takes effect, with temperatures forecast to reach 37 degrees Celsius and potentially higher in some areas.

The Met Office warning is in place from 9 a.m. on Wednesday, June 24, until 9 p.m. on Thursday, June 25, covering London, the Midlands, and much of southern England. The UK Health Security Agency has also issued a red health alert for the West Midlands, East Midlands, South East, South West, London, and East of England, beginning at 1 a.m. on Wednesday and lasting until 11 p.m. on Thursday.

Network Rail has announced reduced timetables and speed restrictions on services in and out of London Euston from Tuesday through Thursday, warning that journeys will take longer and face a heightened risk of delays, cancellations, and last-minute changes. Jake Kelly, deputy chief executive of Network Rail, said extreme heat can have a significant impact on the railway and that safety must come first. He advised passengers to check before traveling on Tuesday and to only travel if absolutely essential on Wednesday and Thursday within...