Rail passengers urged ‘to travel only if absolutely necessary’ amid extreme heat

Passengers using Thameslink, Great Northern and Southern services are advised “to travel only if absolutely necessary” on 24 and 25 June.

This warning follows a rare red extreme heat alert issued by the Met Office, impacting a significant portion of the rail network.

Safety speed restrictions will result in reduced services and fewer trains on Wednesday and Thursday.

The Gatwick Express will be suspended from early afternoon on both days, although Gatwick Airport will remain accessible via Thameslink and Southern trains.

Customers are encouraged to check operator websites for updates, while Jenny Saunders, customer service director at Gatwick Express, Great Northern, Southern and Thameslink, said: “Please bring lots of water, wear sunscreen and a hat, and have a backup plan in case of disruption.”