Rail passengers are being urged to avoid all non-essential travel this Wednesday and Thursday as an unprecedented heatwave triggers a rare Met Office Red Extreme Heat Warning across the region.
South Western Railway (SWR) has confirmed it will operate a heavily amended timetable from Tuesday through Thursday. Speed restrictions will be enforced across the network to protect tracks and signals from buckling in the record-breaking temperatures, leading to fewer services, severe delays, and much busier trains.
Rail bosses plan to update journey planners by 2am each morning, though passengers are warned that short-notice cancellations remain highly likely. To provide some flexibility, temporary ticket acceptance is in place allowing travel at alternative times.
Stuart Meek, chief operating officer for SWR, apologised for the inevitable disruption:
He said: “The Met Office’s Red Extreme Heat Warning means an amended timetable will be in place.
“Customers should check before travelling on Tuesday, and only travel if essential on Wednesday and Thursday.”
For those who absolutely must travel, SWR advises carrying water to stay hydrated. Crucially, anyone feeling unwell is urged not to board a train, or to alight at the next station to seek help.
