BRITS have been warned “do not travel” with trains running at “greatly reduced levels” as temperatures soar.
The UK is forecast to hit 37C today, with rare red alerts in place for the next two days as temperatures could reach 40C.
Passengers at Waterloo Station in London – as Brits are warned not to travel unless necessary Credit: EPA
Information screens and service disruption notices are displayed at South Western Railway stations amid the extreme heat Credit: Getty
Paddleboarders and swimmers in the sea at King Edward’s Bay, Tynemouth Credit: PA
Chiltern Railways has axed more than half its services over the three days of hot weather ‘to ensure the safe operation of the railway’
Higher temperatures are “possible” in London or the South East, the Met Office said.
The rising temperatures are causing disruptions to rail, road and air travel, with the possibility of some tarmac melting.
The rail industry is preparing for issues caused by extreme temperatures, such as sagging overhead electric wires, buckled rails and lineside fires.
Chiltern Railways has axed more than half its services over the three days of hot weather “to ensure the safe operation of the railway”.
It said in a statement: “We strongly advise you to avoid travelling if possible.
“Trains are running at greatly reduced levels to ensure everyone’s safety, which means you may experience significant delays and very busy conditions.
“On all three days, to ensure the safe operation of the railway, we will be running fewer than 50 per cent of the number of trains that would typically run on a week day.
“Details of the amended train service will be published as soon as plans are complete.”
Train companies said they are running a reduced service because of the heat Credit: Getty
People enjoy the water at Clevedon Marine Lake in Somerset Credit: ANDREW LLOYD
People enjoy the sun at Fistral beach, Newquay, Cornwall Credit: SWNS
People swim at London Fields Lido outdoor swimming pool today Credit: EPA
This affects London Marylebone services to and from , and Aylesbury via Amersham.
It comes as thousands of pupils will either not be able to attend school this week or will head home earlier than usual because of full or partial closures amid the extreme heat.
across England and have announced they will close or finish early for several days this week to protect pupils from extreme .
There is also severe disruption across London’s network today due to the weather.
Some sun-seeking Brits are defying the travel warnings and headed to beaches and parks across the country in order to soak up the sun.
Hotspots such as Lyme Regis and Brighton Beach are packed with sunbathers as they bask in the bright sunshine.
Passengers are advised to travel earlier in the day if possible, and carry a water bottle.
Avanti West Coast said it plans to run fewer services than usual between Tuesday and Thursday, and “there’s a risk of further disruption”.
People paddleboard at Cullercoats Bay, North Tyneside in the north east of England Credit: PA
The UK could see record-breaking temperatures this week Credit: SWNS
People surfing while enjoying the sun at Fistral beach, Newquay, Cornwall Credit: SWNS
Brits have headed to beaches and parks across the country in order to soak up the sun Credit: SWNS
The company eased ticket restrictions, enabling passengers to use an earlier service than the one they booked at no extra cost.
Those with tickets booked for departures between Tuesday and Thursday are eligible for a full refund if they no longer want to travel.
Great Western Railway issued a plea for its services to be used for “essential travel only” on Wednesday and Thursday, which is when the Met Office has a severe red warning in place.
The operator said prolonged high temperatures can affect equipment on its older regional train fleet, including engines and cooling systems.
It is also running fewer trains than normal between London Paddington and Reading until Friday.
There is disruption across the Transport for Wales network, including between Pontypridd and Bay, and between Coryton and Penarth.
South Western Railway issued an alert stating it will run fewer services than normal between Tuesday and Thursday.
This is because is not moving some points – pieces of metal that enable trains to change tracks – on the route to cut the risk of failures, which are more likely in high temperatures.
The UK is set to soar past the June temperature record, held since 1976, as Brits flock to beaches and parks across the country.
It could even reach the highest temperature ever recorded, which was 40.3C on July 19, 2022 in Lincolnshire.
An amber warning is in place today as the warns of “widespread impacts on people and infrastructure”.
The temperatures are expected to peak on Wednesday and Thursday as the Met Office issues a rare red alert for extreme heat.
The red warning will be in place from 9am on Wednesday morning to 9pm on Thursday.
A red alert carries a “significant risk to life for whole population; severe pressure across all public services.”
The UK Security Agency (UKHSA) warned people to expect significant impacts across health and social care services, along with a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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