Why The Hottest Day Of The Year Causes Train Disruption

25 July 2019, 13:06 | Updated: 25 July 2019, 13:10

Tracks get hotter during the heatwave
Tracks get hotter during the heatwave. Picture: PA

Passengers are advised not to travel as the rail network is experiencing severe disruption. The heatwave causes rails to buckle, putting trains at risk of derailing.

Train passengers across the UK have been advised not to travel if they can avoid it, as extreme temperatures are causing chaos on the rail network.

Speeds have been reduced to 20mph on some parts of the rail system.

Network Rail, which manages Britain’s 20,000-miles of steel track, said it had activated “extreme weather action teams” to minimise disruption.

What happens to the tracks in hot weather?

According to Network Rail, tracks in direct sunshine can be as much as 20C hotter than the air temperature.

As the mercury rises, the steel rail absorbs heat and expands, causing it to curve, known as buckling.

The temperature change can push and pull the track out of shape.

Buckled tracks need to be repaired before trains can run again, which leads to disruption.

Overhead lines can also expand and sag in extreme heat, bringing a risk of passing trains pulling them down.

Network rail have been painting some tracks white to deflect some of the heat.
Network rail have been painting some tracks white to deflect some of the heat. Picture: Heart News

What safety measures are in place?

Slower speed restrictions can be introduced to reduce the chances of buckling. The side-effect of this is disruption to train timetables.

Network Rail said it paints some track white as this makes it less heat-absorbent and reduces the temperature by 5C or 10C.

Everything You Need To Know About How To Stay Cool In The Heatwave

Temperatures On The Rise As Scorching Heatwave Will Hit UK This Week

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Captain Sir Tom Moore's daughter Hannah Ingram-Moore

Captain Tom's daughter launches TikTok rebrand as ‘resilience coach’ one year after charity controversy

As the news reporter is presenting - a huge explosion is captured erupting in the background.

Shocking moment Israeli airstrike blasts Syria military HQ on live TV as news reporter flees in terror

Luke Littler posted about failing his driving theory test on his Instagram story.

Darts master Luke Littler yet to master the highway following fourth driving theory test failure

Smoke billows following Israeli strikes near the Syrian army and defence ministry headquarters in Damascus.

Israel warns 'painful blows will come' as it ramps up strikes on Syria and sends more troops to the border

Footballer Mckenzie Dicicco killed another non-League player in a "cowardly" one-punch attack after a "nonsensical argument"

Footballer who killed another player in ‘cowardly’ one-punch attack jailed

Crystal Palace have been dumped out of the Europa League.

Crystal Palace confirm plans to appeal UEFA decision after being dumped out of Europa League

Different milks on sale in a supermarket UK

Plant-based milk not 'nutritionally equivalent' to cows' milk, experts say

Axel Rudakubana

Prevent programme should continue referrals for no ideology, report recommends

Nintendo has revealed the names of the lead actors starring in the upcoming live-action The Legend of Zelda film.

Nintendo releases names of leads for upcoming live-action The Legend of Zelda movie

Harvey Willgoose was fatally stabbed to death. Picture: Family handout

'I can't control it': Boy who stabbed fellow pupil Harvey Willgoose to death tells jury being 'bullied' led to 'anger issues'

Six guilty of murder after drug dealer shot dead after serving sentence over dismembering of body

Six guilty of murder of drug dealer shot dead after serving jail time for dismembering body of jazz musician

A handout image issued by Royal Botanic Gardens Kew of the proposed aerial view of the new Palm House.

Kew’s Palm House to shut for renovations as part of push towards net zero

The 15-year-old told police 'it's not that deep' after he was arrested

Boy, 15, admits throwing chair off Westfield balcony for TikTok ‘prank’

Prosper pleaded guilty to all six charges at Luton Crown Court.

Triple killer Nicholas Prosper avoids whole-life order after murder of mum and siblings

A volcano in Iceland has erupted, leading to evacuations.

Iceland volcano erupts for 12th time since 2021, prompting evacuations from iconic Blue Lagoon spa

ITV Palooza 2022 – VIP Access

ITV will 'stand by' John Torode after he was axed from MasterChef over racism claim