Thousands of commuters were stranded at London Euston Station on June 23, 2026, as a blistering 37C heatwave forced Network Rail to implement a reduced timetable. The disruption, expected to last until June 25, caused massive crowds to pack into the concourse, staring at departure boards during rush hour, according to NeedToKnow.
Reduced Timetable and Extreme Heat Warning
The scaled-back timetable marked the first day of altered services for trains entering and exiting London Euston. With the heatwave predicted to peak in the coming days, temperatures could break June's all-time daily record. Despite over 117,000 passengers typically passing through the station on an average weekday, travellers have been advised to only make journeys if "absolutely necessary."
Network Rail made the decision to cut services following a rare red warning for extreme heat issued by the Met Office. Trains are running at slower speeds, and timetables have been modified to manage the conditions. Passengers have been cautioned that journeys could take longer and face a higher likelihood of delays and cancellations.
Safety Measures and Advice
Gary Walsh, Director for Network Rail's West Coast South route, stated: "With weather warnings in place across the country for extreme hot weather, services in and out of London Euston will be reduced this week. We strongly advise customers to plan ahead, check their journeys, and only travel if absolutely necessary on the hottest days. If you do need to travel, please allow extra time and carry water to stay cool. We're working closely with our train operator partners to protect the reliability of the railway during the extreme heat. This includes running trains at slower speeds at some locations to keep people and our infrastructure safe."
Water Fountains Installed to Help Passengers
To assist passengers in dealing with the blistering conditions, London Euston has installed two new complimentary water fountains near the entrance to platforms one to three. The heatwave continues to cause widespread disruption across the UK, with authorities urging the public to stay hydrated and avoid non-essential travel.
