Travel expert Simon Calder issued a stark warning to rail passengers as the Met Office announced red extreme heat alerts for parts of the UK. Speaking via video link to ITV's Good Morning Britain, Calder told viewers: 'My advice to anybody booked to travel by rail over the next few days is, please, if you can move your journey to the end of the week, then do so. It will be much more comfortable and have a higher degree of actually working as it is supposed to. Otherwise, I'm afraid, just be prepared for delays and disruption.'
Red Extreme Heat Warning Issued
The Met Office has issued a red extreme heat warning for areas including London, Birmingham, and Cardiff, as temperatures are set to soar to 38°C in southern England. GMB host Ranvir Singh declared: 'Forecasters have issued what's called a red extreme heat warning for areas including Cardiff, London, and Birmingham from tomorrow morning as Britain braces for the hottest June since 1976.' The Met Office also released Amber Extreme Heat Warnings spanning from Monday to Thursday, with mercury levels predicted to reach as high as 38°C across southern England this week.
Potential Record-Breaking Temperatures
Weather experts have forecast potentially record-smashing June temperatures coupled with exceptionally high humidity. Mercury is anticipated to reach 37°C on Tuesday June 23. The climax of the scorching spell is predicted for Wednesday and Thursday, when certain regions could see highs of 38°C, potentially shattering the existing UK June temperature record of 35.6°C.
Rail Travel Disruption Expected
Railway travellers have already been urged to make journeys only if absolutely necessary, with major delays and chaos anticipated. The warnings emerge as Britain prepares for some of the most scorching temperatures ever recorded. Calder's advice comes as Network Rail and train operators are expected to impose speed restrictions to prevent tracks from buckling in the heat, leading to extended journey times and potential cancellations.
Weather Pattern Shift Forecast
However, weather maps indicate a significant shift in patterns could be on the horizon. Data from WXCharts, based on the ECMWF weather model, suggests a heavy plume of Atlantic rain moving towards the UK by the week's end. By 27 June, it is forecasted that large swathes of western Britain, including parts of Scotland, Northern Ireland and western England, could experience persistent rainfall, bringing relief from the heatwave.
