Heatwave: South Western Railway prepared to deal with hot weather conditions as temperatures soar

SWR issued the advice as the UK braces for a heatwave. Credit: PA

South Western Railway (SWR) has said it is prepared to deal with hot weather as temperatures are set to soar into the 30s throughout this week.

The operator plans to run its usual services, but is advising passengers to plan ahead and stay hydrated.

It is working with Network Rail to ensure that lines remain open and services run on time, and is monitoring current conditions carefully.

When direct sunshine beams onto tracks made of steel, it can heat them to as much as 20C above the ambient air temperature - meaning some rails can record temperatures upwards of 50C.

If temperatures get too high, the rail operator and Network Rail may have to implement speed restrictions, to maintain passenger safety.

An SWR train journeys through the south of England. Credit: PA

The hot weather also increases the likelihood of other problems occurring on the rail network, such as:

  • Risk of compression (when rails can buckle).

  • Line side fires.

To reduce the risk of disruption, Network Rail engineers will be out in force monitoring rail temperatures.

It says tracks can usually operate within temperatures up to 46 degrees celsius - which would have a roughly equivalent air temperature of 30 degrees.

However if a rail does buckle, works often can only take place once the rail has cooled down - meaning disruption could be long-lasting. However the operator is not expecting any major disruption today (Tuesday 12 July).

To reduce the risk of disruption SWR is asking passengers to carry water with them, to reduce the risk of feeling unwell whilst travelling.

It is also asking passengers to disembark if they feel unwell and seek help from staff on the platform, so services can keep moving, and to avoid pulling the passenger alarm unless absolutely necessary.


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