East Midlands Railway and Northern have warned Derbyshire passengers to expect disruption to their train services as temperatures soar during the heatwave that hits the country this week.

High temperatures of up to 38°C are expected throughout the UK this week and a rare red alert to health has been issued by the Met Office, applicable to much of EMR’s network on Wednesday, June 24 and Thursday, June 25.

For safety reasons, Network Rail may need to introduce speed restrictions in some areas during these dates. This can increase journey times and reduce the number of services EMR are able to operate, and may lead to short-notice changes – including service alterations or cancellations.

Tuesday, June 23 – check before you travel:

EMR and Northern services may be delayed this week as a heatwave hits Derbyshire.

placeholder image — EMR and Northern services may be delayed this week as a heatwave hits Derbyshire.

East Midlands Railway tickets dated Tuesday, June 23 can be used at no extra cost to travel on earlier services on the same day. EMR recommend that you travel before midday, when temperatures are expected to be cooler.

Alternatively, tickets for this date can be used on East Midlands Railway services on Friday, June 26. If you have connecting services with another operator, please check with them directly as to what their travel advice is.

If you no longer wish to travel, you can claim a full refund from your point of purchase.

Wednesday, June 24 and Thursday, June 25 – essential travel only:

You should only attempt to travel if your journey is essential. Tickets dated Wednesday, June 24 or Thursday, June 25 can be used on East Midlands Railway services on Friday, June 26 instead.

If your journey is essential, EMR strongly recommends that you travel before midday, when temperatures are expected to be cooler. East Midlands Railway tickets for these dates can be used at no extra cost to travel on earlier services on the same days.

If you have connecting services with another operator, please check with them directly as to what their travel advice is.

If you no longer wish to travel, you can claim a full refund from your point of purchase.

Friday, June 26 – check before you travel:

Temperatures are expected to be lower across some of the rail network on Friday, although hot weather is still forecast in some areas. While conditions are expected to improve, the recent spell of extreme heat may continue to affect the railway and some services may still be subject to short-notice changes.

EMR will continue to closely monitor the latest weather forecast and work with Network Rail to assess any ongoing impact on the railway. If further travel advice or changes to ticket validity is required, EMR will provide updates as soon as possible to help you plan your journey.

Northern:

High temperatures are forecast across the UK this week and may affect how Northern trains operate. To keep trains running reliably, Northern will be introducing a reduced timetable from Tuesday, June 23 to Thursday, June 25. Temporary speed restrictions are in place on some routes. Customers have been urged to check their journeys before they travel. Northern will continue to monitor conditions closely and may make further changes. Northern are running trains on all our routes, but there will be fewer trains on some lines. Some timetabled services will not run, and those that do are expected to be busier than usual.

Sheffield – Manchester Piccadilly (via Grindleford, Hathersage, Bamford, Hope, Edale, Chinley and New Mills Central):

Northern have warned that train services between Manchester Piccadilly and New Mills Central may be cancelled, delayed or reduced – causing disruption for those travelling between Sheffield and Manchester, and passengers for the Hope Valley and High Peak stations on this line. Hadfield – Manchester Piccadilly:

A total of 18 trains have been cancelled on this line today, impacting passengers travelling to Dinting, Glossop and Hadfield.