Extremely hot weather is forecast for Thursday 25th July, and speed restrictions will be introduced across the rail network.
Metal rails in direct sunshine can exceed 50 degrees and Network Rail need to introduce these speed restrictions to reduce the chance of rails buckling in the heat.
Significantly fewer services will be running on Thursday, and many trains will be much busier than usual as a result. Those trains which do run will take longer to complete their journeys - particularly on our longer-distance routes.
We strongly advise you to avoid travelling, if you can.
Details of those trains which won't be running is still being finalised and we will update journey planners on Wednesday as soon as these are confirmed.
If you are travelling make sure you beat the heat and always carry water with you. If you feel unwell while onboard the train, avoid using the emergency alarm between stations as this can cause a delay in help reaching you.
We're planning to run our normal timetable on Friday 26th July, when temperatures are forecast to have fallen.
For more information about why high temperatures can cause problems for the railway, please visit this page: southeasternrailway.co.uk/summer-weather
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Compensation:
You may be entitled to
compensation if you
experience a delay in completing your journey today. Please keep your train
ticket and make a note of your journey, as both will be required to support any
claim.
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