The hot weather is already affecting public transport (Image: Nick Edwards/TFL)
Commuters will face reduced services on London’s rail network next week as temperatures hit 40C.
“Unprecedented” weather is expected on Monday and Tuesday with a red weather warning across large parts of the country.
As a result of the scorching heat, some rail services will be reduced.
Transport for London has put up signs today warning customers of next week’s timetable change for overground services.
A poster at Action Central Station said there would be only two trains per hour between Richmond and Stratford and Watford Junction and Euston on Monday and Tuesday.
There will be no services at all between Romford and Upminster.
Londoners have been urged to be “very careful” and “look after each other” as the heatwave worsens.
The sign spotted at Acton Central Station earlier today (Image: Transport for London) Stratford train services will be among those affected by the heat (Image: Getty Images)
The Met Office warned of major delays on roads, rail and even air travel as part of their red weather warning.
“Substantial changes in work practices and daily life will be required,” the warning added.
The worst pipelines for pre-heatwave heat levels have also been uncovered underground.
The news of reduced overhead services comes after Downing Street confirmed this morning that speed restrictions could be imposed on rail lines as temperatures rise next week.
A Number 10 spokesman said discussions with sectors including the NHS would continue over the weekend.
A woman cools off in front of a large fan at Kings Cross tube station (Photo: Dinendra Haria/LNP)
“Teams of specialists from Network Rail and TfL (Transport for London) will continue to monitor the impact of the high temperatures to try to ensure they can keep services running safely and reliably for customers,” he added.
“Speed restrictions may be in place on parts of the network next week to manage the hot weather and avoid potential damage.
“The Department for Transport is engaging with port operators and highways agencies as well as the police to make sure the plans are in place, particularly in places where you might see queues.”
High temperatures create the risk of warping, bending and in some cases even warping from the heat of the train tracks, with direct sunlight being a particular risk.
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Accordingly, trains will be told to run more slowly to be less crowded, but even then problems can occur.
Network Rail’s West Coast Southern Route Director James Dean said: “Keeping passengers moving is always our top priority. But we want people to be prepared.
“If high temperatures mean we need to use lower speeds for safety reasons, please be patient while our engineers work to fix the problem.” This may mean that some journeys take longer.
“For those who have to travel by train, we would remind people to bring some water with them so they can stay hydrated and always check before traveling so they know exactly what to expect.”
Metro.co.uk has contacted TFL for comment.
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