WITH the upgraded weather warning rail passengers have been warned there will be significant disruption from tomorrow, Monday, due to the extreme heat.

The Met Office has issued a red weather warning for parts of the country on Monday and Tuesday, with temperatures forecast to reach as high as 40°C in some areas, including London. Devon has been placed under an Amber Warning for Monday and Tuesday.

Following the warning Network Rail has assessed the impact of the extreme heat on the railway infrastructure and said it would be introducing speed restrictions to ensure the safe running of trains.

As a result, GWR services are expected to be significantly impacted and those trains that do run will be extremely busy. Journeys will take longer and there is a high likelihood of cancellations, delays and last-minute alterations.

Customers are being advised to only travel if absolutely necessary on Monday and Tuesday. Passengers who choose to travel are being advised to check their journeys and ensure they are well-prepared for the extreme conditions – wearing cool clothes, taking handheld fans and ensuring they have plenty of water to drink.

To help customers, GWR is allowing people with tickets for travel on its services on Monday and Tuesday to travel on Wednesday and Thursday instead.

Netwoprk Rail says it refund and Book with Confidence policies will remain in place. For further information on GWR train services visit: https://www.gwr.com/travel-information/travel-updates/check-your-journey

South Western Railways’ customer experience director, Christian Neill, said: ‘These unprecedented temperatures will pose a significant challenge to the national railway infrastructure and we’re sorry for the impact they will have on our services on Monday and Tuesday.

‘Network Rail is urging customers to only travel if absolutely necessary and anyone who has to travel should expect longer journey times, short-notice cancellations and disruption.

‘We are working on a reduced timetable that provides certainty for our customers, but changes are likely to come at relatively short notice, so if you do choose to travel, please check your journey as close to your time of travel as possible.’

To help customers, SWR is also allowing people with tickets for travel on its services on Monday and Tuesday to travel on Wednesday and Thursday instead.

If you choose to delay your travel, please note that the original ticket restrictions will still apply. If you are using an Advance Purchase ticket, please travel as close to the original departure time as possible or make use of Book With Confidence.