Commuters Disrupted by UK Heatwave

Today Britain faces record-breaking heat as temperatures could potentially climb to 39C. The current record is 38.5C (101.3F) from August 2003.

Thousands of commuters have been hit by disruption in areas where trains are running a slower speed on tracks at risk of buckling, with some rail firms advising passengers not to travel. This meaning those looking to get to the capital for work may have had to stay at home

According to the Met Office, there is a 60 percent chance the mercury could rise above the current all-time UK temperature record of 38.5C on Thursday.

By 11am, it had already reached 34C at Kew Gardens in south-west London.

And it’s not just the UK - Europe is also experiencing the heatwave with 41C forecast in Paris.

But the extreme heat will not last for long in the UK, with the heatwave conditions to be replaced by storms.

A yellow warning for thunderstorms is in place from 15:00 BST on Thursday into early Friday morning.

The storms could trigger travel delays, flash flooding, and power cuts.

Will my journey be disrupted?

Speed restrictions are in place on some train routes because of the high track temperatures.

Great Western has cancelled some trains between London, Cardiff and Swansea because of the heat and route between London and Scotland are also affected.

Delays and cancellations are expected for journeys across the whole Gatwick Express, Great Northern, Southern and Thameslink networks until the end of the day.

Other rail companies, including Greater Anglia, East Midlands, LNER and Hull Trains are advising people not to travel.

Southeastern Railway is the latest to suggest customers avoid all but “absolutely necessary” travel.

Other rail networks may be affected, please visit your transport providers website for more information.