I just received this from Southern and the general advice is “only travel if absolutely necessary” so I thought it best to share and wish you all good luck with coping!
Here is the detailed message. No specific mention of our trains, but lots of warnings of potential disruption, and I’m sure you do NOT want to be stuck on a train in this heat!
—
Services will continue to run across the network but as trains will be required to run more slowly to keep everyone safe, services will be reduced on some routes, particularly during the hottest periods of the day, and journeys will take longer than usual. Passengers who need to travel should also expect disruption and possible longer journey times across the network.
The routes that will see changes to services in response to the extremely hot conditions tomorrow and Thursday are:
Gatwick Express
- Services will be paused from midday, with Southern and Thameslink services remaining available for those travelling between Brighton, Gatwick Airport and London
Southern
- West London Line services will only operate between East Croydon and Shepherds Bush between 14:00 and 19:00
Great Northern
-
There will be fewer trains during the evening peak between Moorgate and Welwyn Garden City, Moorgate and Hertford North and King’s Cross and Letchworth.
-
Services between King’s Lynn, Ely and London King’s Cross will be suspended, with an hourly shuttle service operating between King’s Lynn and Cambridge
Thameslink
- There will be no changes to the Thameslink network beyond the amended service already in place following the incident near Bedford on Friday
Friday’s service is being kept under review as the forecast develops.
Due to the effects of the extreme heat, there is a heightened risk of disruption, delays and cancellations to the services that will be running. We are also cautioning passengers that there will be no rail replacement bus services during this period, except those already operating between Bedford and Luton following the incident last Friday.
Passengers who do need to travel are strongly advised to check their journeys before they travel, allow extra time, and prepare for the conditions by bringing plenty of water, wearing sunscreen and a hat to stay safe, and ensuring that they have a back-up plan in case of disruption.
Passengers can keep up to date on the latest changes to Southern, Thameslink, Great Northern and Gatwick Express services by checking Journey Planners