Eurostar has ordered new double-decker trains capable of operating in temperatures up to 55 degrees Celsius, a significant upgrade from the previous specification of 45C, as extreme heatwaves become more frequent across Europe. The cross-Channel operator is investing £1.7 billion in 200-metre-long Celestia trains, scheduled for delivery by 2031, which will feature enhanced materials in their air-conditioning units to cope with soaring temperatures.
Capacity Boost and New Routes
The upgraded trains will offer 20 percent more passenger capacity, supporting Eurostar's plans to launch direct services to Geneva and Frankfurt. The decision to increase thermal resilience came after recent heatwaves caused delays and cancellations on services from London to the Continent, with trains running slower than usual between Brussels and the French border. Eurostar attributed these disruptions to adverse weather conditions.
Record Heat and Wildfires
Western Europe recorded its hottest June on record, with scorching temperatures fueling wildfires in southern Spain that have killed at least 11 people, with 19 others missing. In the UK, London's heatwave is expected to persist for at least another week, with the Met Office forecasting daily highs no lower than 29C through the end of next week. Temperatures exceeded 34C in the capital on Thursday, with a high of 31C predicted on Friday.
Drought Warnings and Hosepipe Ban
Outside London, Anglian Water announced a hosepipe ban for its more than five million customers in the East of England. Officials warned that drought conditions are increasingly likely as temperatures in the Midlands could climb as high as 36C over the weekend.
Eurostar CEO on Future-Proofing
Gwendoline Cazenave, chief executive of Eurostar, told The Telegraph: “We thought, hey, this is northern Europe — the UK, Germany, Switzerland — and in France we don’t go south of Paris, so up to 45 degrees is OK. Then, a week ago, after the last heatwave, we decided to take the 55C option. We are buying trains that will last 30 years, and we thought maybe in the 2060s, even in the UK, the temperatures could reach those levels. It’s more expensive but it will be worth it.”
