A rare Met Office red warning for extreme heat has been issued for the West Midlands, with Network Rail urging passengers to avoid travel
Rail passengers in five regions have been urged not to travel over the next few days following the issue of a rare red warning for extreme heat across the West Midlands.
The alert runs from 9am on Wednesday, June 24 until 9pm on Thursday, June 25 and includes Birmingham, Coventry, Warwickshire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire.
The entire West Midlands is also subject to a red health alert from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
Five additional regions, comprising the East Midlands, South East, South West, London, and east of England have also been placed under this warning, commencing at 1am on Wednesday and continuing until 11pm on Thursday.
Chiltern Railways, which runs services linking Birmingham and London Marylebone, warned passengers to expect "significant disruption" due to the extreme temperatures.
Services are anticipated to be substantially reduced, with the operator stating that trains may face disruption, considerable delays and exceptionally crowded conditions.
Those holding tickets for Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday can use them on Friday, Saturday or Sunday instead.
Refunds will also be available to passengers who decide not to travel.
National Rail has advised transport users throughout the UK to "only travel if absolutely essential on Wednesday and Thursday".
Jake Kelly, deputy chief executive of Network Rail, said: "Extreme heat can have a significant impact on the railway, so safety must come first.
"We're asking passengers to check before travelling on Tuesday, and only travel if absolutely essential on Wednesday and Thursday if they are going to, from or within the red warning zone as temperatures are expected to peak.
"If you do need to travel in this area or outside of it where it will still be hot, please plan ahead, allow extra time and take necessary precautions, such as carrying water, to stay safe. We thank passengers for their patience and understanding during this period."
