Because track steel easily absorbs heat, Network Rail has implemented emergency speed restrictions during peak afternoon temperatures to prevent track buckling and overhead line sagging.
🚇London Underground
- No widespread track closures, but deep-level tube lines (Central, Northern, Victoria, Piccadilly) are running in intensely hot conditions. The air-conditioned lines (Elizabeth Line, District, Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan) are functioning normally but heavily crowded.
🚆 Rail Networks Affected Today:
Great Western Railway (GWR): Running a heavily amended, reduced service during the hottest parts of the day. Local stopping services between Reading and London Paddington are significantly delayed or cancelled, heavily impacting stations like Slough, Maidenhead, and Twyford.
South Western Railway (SWR) & LNER: Both networks are warning of short-notice cancellations and delayed journeys across the South East. Ticket easements are currently in place (e.g., LNER is allowing customers with tickets for the peak heat days to travel early/flexibly).
🫗 Passenger Comfort Advisory: Free water refill stations are active at major managed hubs like London Waterloo, Clapham Junction, London Paddington, and London King’s Cross. Passengers are strongly urged to carry water and avoid boarding a train if they begin to feel unwell on the platform.