Warnings of severe rail disruption as Britain braces for ‘extreme’ heat

Blanket speed restrictions in south-east expected next week to reduce risk of track and equipment failing

Rail services around Britain are expected to be severely disrupted next week, with trains running slowly to reduce the risk of track and equipment failing in extreme heat.

Blanket speed restrictions are likely to be put in place around the south-east of England with the air temperature forecast to possibly surpass thehighest ever recorded in Britain, which was 38.7 in 2019.