PASSENGERS travelling on a key cross-Border train line have been warned to avoid travelling while parts of the UK grapple with intense heat.
Large parts of England and Wales will be subject to amber or red weather warnings for heat, indicating a risk to health and infrastructure. Highs of up to 38°C are possible in some areas, with Scotland also set to see highs of up to 32°C, potentially setting a new June record.
The London North Eastern Railway (LNER), which operates the east coast main line from Edinburgh to London, has advised all passengers travelling on Wednesday or Thursday to avoid travelling into areas included in the Met Office's red weather alert zone, which includes London.
All tickets for services on these days can be used on any Friday service on the same route, or can be exchanged for an earlier time on the same day and ticket type, as to avoid the most intense heat in the afternoon.
In a statement, the operator said: "High temperatures are expected across the LNER route from Monday 22 June.
"With the hottest temperatures forecast for Wednesday 24 June and Thursday 25 June, we are now advising customers DO NOT TRAVEL on these dates."
🌞#LNERUpdate High temperatures are expected across the LNER route from Monday 22 June. ⚠️With the hottest temperatures forecast for Wednesday 24 June and Thursday 25 June, we are now advising customers DO NOT TRAVEL on these dates. For more info: https://t.co/o0hAZZ3XYh pic.twitter.com/OIMKPZDkz6
— London North Eastern Railway (@LNER) June 22, 2026
Network Rail, which owns most of the track in the UK, also issued a statement to Scottish passengers, warning of disruption as railway infrastructure including the steel track and overhead power lines could be damaged from intense heat.
Steel rails could reach around 50°C in direct sunlight, sometimes causing them to expand and curve. Overhead power lines can also expand in extreme heat and lose tension, according to the industry body.
Ross Moran, route director at Network Rail Scotland, said: “We know hot weather can sometimes affect how the railway runs. That’s why our teams are keeping a close eye on conditions and carrying out extra checks across the network to keep services moving.
“We’re not expecting the same extreme temperatures as elsewhere in the UK, but we’re prepared for warmer weather and ready to act if needed. We’d encourage passengers to check their journey before travelling and take care in the heat.”
Phil Campbell, ScotRail customer operations director, said: “We’re working closely with our colleagues at Network rail to support customers as the temperatures rise across Scotland this week.
“Hot weather can occasionally impact how the railway operates, so we’re encouraging customer to check their journey before travelling, leave a little extra time for their trip, and take simple steps such as carrying water and staying hydrated.
“By taking a few precautions and planning ahead, customers can travel safely and comfortably throughout the summer months, whatever the weather brings.”
Passengers who do need to travel during the week have been urged to stay hydrated and to allow additional time for delays.
