All the train delays to hit the UK as heatwave leads to travel chaos
More transport delays are set to plague passengers today despite temperatures cooling after a record-breaking heatwave this week.
Passengers were left to deal with travel chaos yesterday amid July’s hottest day ever after a record-breaking 38.1C was recorded in Cambridge.
Read more: UK temperatures break July record
And Network Rail warned of more travel disruption this morning, telling commuters that some lines are still closed between London St Pancras and Luton.
While train operators had warned yesterday’s temperatures could lead to train tracks buckling in the heat, it was sagging overhead wires that caused the problems.
Virgin Trains running between London and Watford suffered delays this morning due to problems to the overhead cables.
Greater Anglia services to London Liverpool Street from Broxbourne also suffered overhead cables issues.
The Stansted Express was set to run delays until 12pm.
So were trains running to and from Peterborough.
“The rail network will be monitored, and if rail track temperatures exceed a certain temperature, speed restrictions will be put in place to prevent the track from buckling,” Network Rail said.
“This may cause delays and cancellations to journeys across the network.”
Meanwhile Network Rail’s network services director, Nick King, said thunderstorms overnight could add to commuters’ delays this morning.
“Our teams have been working flat out to fix the issues, however we are sorry that disruption is likely to continue into the morning,” he said.
“We are advising passengers to check with their train operators or the National Rail Enquiries website before travelling.”
All the train delays after the UK heatwave:
East Midlands Trains: Reduced service to and from London St Pancras International due to damage to overhead wires between Luton and St Pancras. Some repairs have been made and some lines have been opened. However, East Midlands Trains will still be operating their trains on an emergency timetable due to reduced amount of lines.
Southeastern: Routes disrupted between Charlton and Slade Green. Trains of more than 10 coaches from London will not stop at Belvedere.
Greater Anglia: Delays to services between Norwich and Sheringham. Cancellations to services at Lowestoft.
Thameslink: The rail operator said: “We strongly advise you not to travel.” Various routes are disrupted with damage to overhead wires between St Pancras and St Albans and repair work will continue until Friday night.
Half of Thameslink’s lines will be unavailable and the operator expects further delays around West Hampstead.
London Northwest Railway; West Midlands Railway: Major disruption to routes to Birmingham, where train services may continue to be cancelled or revised until 12pm.
East Midlands Trains; London Northwestern Railway; Virgin Trains: Routes disrupted between Crewe and Stafford after a fault with a signalling system. Delays are expected until 1pm.
Airports warn of delays from thunderstorms
Thunderstorms had affected flights too, with British Airways warning this morning that thunderstorms had caused disruption.
Read more: These are London’s hottest Tube lines
“Severe thunderstorms are causing significant delays and cancellations to our operation in and out of London,” the airline said.
That came after Heathrow experienced delays and flight cancellations yesterday evening due to downpours.
Gatwick and Luton airports also suffered cancellations as they appeared to be “suddenly popping up” last night, according to the Independent.
Those affected Easyket and British Airways in particular, the paper’s travel editor, Simon Calder, reported.