THE scorching heat expected in the next few days could cause rail chaos in many parts of the UK.
Temperatures are expected to hit 33C (91F) today after Sunday saw highs of 29.5C (85F) in Wisley, Surrey.
Rail bosses have warned the hot weather could throw the network into chaos[/caption]
Brighton beach was packed out on Sunday as many went for a dip to cool off[/caption]
And if the daily temperature reaches 28C or higher for the next eight days it will go down as the longest hot streak for four years.
While Brits will be hoping to make the most of the fine weather and possibly go on an away day to the seaside, many could face problems getting there if they go by train.
Network Rail has warned the weather could cause lines to “expand and sometimes buckle”, throwing services into chaos.
A spokesman said: “With extremely hot temperatures expected this week, our specialist weather teams will be monitoring key hotspot locations to make sure we can keep services running safely and reliably.
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“Speed restrictions are likely to be in place in some parts of the network most affected by the hot weather.
“This helps because slower trains exert less force on the track and reduce the likelihood of buckling.
“However, where speed restrictions are in place, journeys can take longer, so we advise passengers to plan ahead and carry a bottle of water with them.”
It comes after water bosses urged customers to cut down by not washing their cars or using a sprinkler on their lawn.
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Anglian asked its four million customers to limit showers to five minutes, avoid washing cars and to “learn to love a brown lawn”.
Yorkshire Water called for four-minute showers — and even created a tailor-made playlist of songs.
And Severn Trent urged customers to turn off the tap while they brush their teeth — and urged gardeners to use a watering can instead of a hose.
Parents have also been warned to keep children safe in the scorching sun and stop them undertaking “vigorous physical activity.”
A heat-health alert has also been issued for some regions, with those in affected areas advised to shade or cover windows and check on the vulnerable and the elderly.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) warning will be in force from July 11 until July 15, including regions in the South East and East of England.
The warnings come as the Met Office said the hottest day in Britain could be broken this week.
Forecasters have advised people in the southeast to stay in the shade, cover windows and check on vulnerable and elderly people as temperatures rise in the coming days.
Met Office meteorologist Dan Stroud said there was 30 per cent chance that temperature would edge towards 40C (104F) next weekend, setting a record.
The highest recorded temperature in Britain was 38.7C (102F) at Cambridge University’s Botanic Garden on July 25, 2019, beating 38.5C in Faversham, Kent, in August 2003.
Stroud advise people to stay out of the sun when it was at its strongest, to wear a hat, apply sunscreen and drink lots of water.
The Met Office said the hottest conditions were expected across Hampshire, London and the southeast.
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While “fresher conditions” are expected later this week, the mercury would rise again over the weekend.
“Towards the weekend temperatures are rebounding and we are expecting temperatures likely to be in excess of 32C across England and Wales,” he said. “We estimate there is about a 30 per cent chance of a new temperature record being set next weekend.”
Train journeys could be delayed by the soaring temperatures in the coming days[/caption]
