Unprecedented high temperatures are causing disruption in travel across the UK, leading to cancellations and significant delays as people struggle in the heatwave.
Transport authorities are warning commuters to expect major delays today as the workweek resumes after the long weekend. The scorching weather shattered spring and May temperature records, with Kew Gardens in West London hitting 34.8C.
A yellow weather warning is in effect for central England, with thunderstorms anticipated from Bath in the south to Leeds in the north. The Met Office cautioned that flooding and lightning could disrupt train and bus services in affected areas.
Although not all travel disruptions are solely due to the extreme heat, passengers traveling on affected routes are advised to carry water with them. They should also inquire about water fountain locations in stations and avoid boarding if feeling unwell.
Keep reading to check if your journey might be impacted by delays or cancellations…
Train operators have alerted passengers about service cancellations and restrictions as temperatures rise nationwide. Great Northern reported that damage to overhead wires halted services between Cambridge and Kings Lynn.
Disruptions are expected to last until 3:30 pm today, and passengers are urged to find alternative routes. LNER informed passengers of speed restrictions causing delays on its routes, limiting speeds to 20mph on lines designed for 125mph travel in Cambridgeshire and North Yorkshire.
South Western Railway faced slower services due to a safety inspection between Waterloo and Vauxhall, where smoke was reported on the track. ScotRail and National Rail also announced disruptions affecting their services.
Meanwhile, delays and closures on motorways in Britain may not be solely due to traffic congestion, prompting travelers to pack water to mitigate the effects of extended delays.
Breakdowns attended by the AA increased by 15% compared to the same period last year, with the heatwave conditions adding strain on vehicles. The Met Office noted that inland areas of the UK are exceptionally hot, surpassing temperatures in Majorca.
On Monday, 97 Met Office sites recorded temperatures reaching or exceeding 30C in the UK. To qualify as a heatwave, temperatures must meet or exceed a specific threshold for three consecutive days.
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