Warnings of severe rail disruption as Britain braces for ‘extreme’ heat

A train passes through heat haze in Ashford, Kent. Network Rail’s emergency weather action teams are meeting on Friday to examine detailed forecasts. Photograph: Gareth Fuller/PA

Rail services around Britain are expected to be severely disrupted next week, with trains running slowly to reduce the risk of track and equipment failing in extreme heat.

Blanket speed restrictions are likely to be put in place around the south-east of England, with the air temperature forecast to possibly surpass the highest ever recorded in Britain, which was 38.7 in 2019.