TfL have warned of significant disruption to rail and Tube services amid the heatwave
02:59, 23 Jun 2026Updated 03:03, 23 Jun 2026
(Image: Getty)
Rail passengers across the UK have been urged not to travel over the coming days, as a rare red warning for extreme heat has been issued to some areas of the nation.
TfL warn of delays to the network, with the Elizabeth Line and Overground expected to be impacted the most.
National Rail has advised commuters and travellers across the entirety of the UK to “only travel if absolutely essential on Wednesday and Thursday”.
Tube lines are also expected to be extremely hot(Image: NEIL HALL/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)
Jake Kelly, deputy chief executive of Network Rail, said: “Extreme heat can have a significant impact on the railway, so safety must come first.
“We’re asking passengers to check before travelling on Tuesday, and only travel if absolutely essential on Wednesday and Thursday if they are going to, from or within the red warning zone as temperatures are expected to peak.
“If you do need to travel in this area or outside of it where it will still be hot, please plan ahead, allow extra time and take necessary precautions, such as carrying water, to stay safe. We thank passengers for their patience and understanding during this period.”
Transport for London (TfL) has also cautioned commuters about potential disruption to rail and tube services, warning that extreme heat on board could result in temporary speed restrictions and reduced services.
Claire Mann, TfL’s chief operating officer, said: “Customers should be aware that, given the very high temperatures that are forecast, we are likely to see some disruption to rail and Tube services – with rail temperatures likely to lead to temporary speed restrictions and therefore reduced services in some cases.
“This will vary by line, with some services that share parts of the overground rail network – like the Overground and the Elizabeth line – likely to be more affected.”
Mann added: “We expect bus services to run as normal although, during periods of hot weather, we are encouraging customers to carry water with them when they travel on any of our services.”
Five regions have also been issued a red health warning alert by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
These include the West Midlands, the East Midlands, South East, South West, London, and East of England.
The health alert commences at 1am on Wednesday and runs through until 11pm on Thursday.
Services to and from London stations will be impacted(Image: Getty)
Chiltern Railways, which runs services between Birmingham and London Marylebone, has cautioned passengers to expect “significant disruption” as a result of the sweltering conditions.
Services are anticipated to be drastically reduced, with the operator warning that trains may face disruption, considerable delays and exceptionally busy conditions.
Passengers holding tickets for Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday are permitted to use them on Friday, Saturday or Sunday instead.
Refunds will also be on offer for those who opt against travelling altogether.
A red warning from the Met Office represents the most serious level of alert, indicating that hazardous weather conditions are on the way.
In addition to significant travel disruption, the severe weather could also pose a risk to health and potentially endanger lives, particularly for those considered vulnerable.