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Trains slow as UK swelters
Rail speed restrictions have been put in place as UK temperatures edge towards record levels.
Network Rail imposed the restrictions on many of Britain's busiest lines, amid fears of rails buckling in temperatures of up to 33C.
The speed restrictions will bring trains which normally travel at up to 110 miles an hour, down to 60.
They will be introduced on the main London to Glasgow line, London to Norwich, across the Southern England commuter network and in the Midlands.
The worst delays - of up to an hour - will be on Virgin trains services between London, Manchester and Glasgow.
The speed limits were criticised by some, with Steve Hounsham of Transport 2000 saying they would lead to "delays and hot tempers" among passengers.
"Obviously, safety comes first but many people will be asking why our rail network can't cope with what is, after all, a relatively mild climate," he said.
UK'S HOTTEST DAY
UK's hottest recorded temperature is 37.1C (99F)
Recorded on 3 August 1990 in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
'Could be beaten this week', say forecasters
But Caroline Jones, a spokeswoman for the Rail Passengers Council, said Network Rail could not be criticised for such a safety move - so long as it did its best to inform passengers.
"They have to be acting in a safe fashion and ensuring that the rail network is safe to travel on," she said.
The move came as forecasters said a string of temperature records could be broken this week.
The highest temperature so far this year - 33.6C, recorded on 15 July at Wisley, Surrey - is likely to be beaten mid-week, said the BBC Weather Centre.
And the hottest day ever recorded in the UK - 37.1C (99F), recorded on 3 August 1990 at Cheltenham, Gloucestershire - could also topple on Wednesday or Thursday.
BBC forecaster Nina Ridge said: "We're looking at temperatures around 10 degrees above average for this time of year."
Too hot to shop
Even at night temperatures will remain about 17 or 18C across much of England, which could be uncomfortably sultry for some people, she said.
Some traders have expressed concern that people are too hot to shop.
Peter Avey, who runs Seasiders amusement arcade and restaurant in Brighton, said: "I think it may be too hot for a lot of people.
"Over the weekend numbers of people were up but takings did not reflect it.
"Everyone was buying ice creams and drinks, but I think it's too hot to eat."
No air-con and it's 85F
Mark Lunnon, England
As well as high temperatures this week, there will also be high humidity, causing discomfort or even heat stress for many people.
England will be the hottest area, but Northern Ireland and Scotland will also be in the mid to high 20s.
Forecasters advise vulnerable people - especially the elderly, the very young and those with high blood pressure - to keep cool by staying in the shade, drinking lots of water, and not doing anything too strenuous.
Betting agency William Hill has reduced its odds from 12/1 to 5/1 for bets that the temperature will reach 100F.
Travellers to Europe will find temperatures even higher, with Paris due to reach 40C by Wednesday, Barcelona hitting 36C and Lisbon basking in 38C.
The scorching conditions have exacerbated wildfires in France and Portugal, which left several people dead.
RECORD WEATHER
Temperature extremes by continent:
Africa: 57.8C, El Azizia, Libya, 13 Sep 1922
Antarctica: 15.0C, Vanda Station, Scott Coast 5 Jan 1974
Asia: 53.9C, Tirat Tsvi, Israel, 21 June 1942
Australasia: 53.3C, Cloncurry, Queensland 16 Jan 1889
Europe: 50.0C, Seville, Spain, 4 August 1881
North America: 56.7C, Death Valley, California, 10 July 1913
Oceania (Pacific Rim): 42.2C, Tugnegareo, Philippines, 29 April 1912
South America: 48.9C, Rivadavia, Argentina, 11 Dec 1905
Source: BBC Weather Centre
Story from BBC NEWS:
Published: 2003/08/04 13:56:40 GMT
© BBC MMIII
Rail speed restrictions have been put in place as UK temperatures edge towards record levels.
Network Rail imposed the restrictions on many of Britain's busiest lines, amid fears of rails buckling in temperatures of up to 33C.
The speed restrictions will bring trains which normally travel at up to 110 miles an hour, down to 60.
They will be introduced on the main London to Glasgow line, London to Norwich, across the Southern England commuter network and in the Midlands.
The worst delays - of up to an hour - will be on Virgin trains services between London, Manchester and Glasgow.
The speed limits were criticised by some, with Steve Hounsham of Transport 2000 saying they would lead to "delays and hot tempers" among passengers.
"Obviously, safety comes first but many people will be asking why our rail network can't cope with what is, after all, a relatively mild climate," he said.
UK'S HOTTEST DAY
UK's hottest recorded temperature is 37.1C (99F)
Recorded on 3 August 1990 in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
'Could be beaten this week', say forecasters
But Caroline Jones, a spokeswoman for the Rail Passengers Council, said Network Rail could not be criticised for such a safety move - so long as it did its best to inform passengers.
"They have to be acting in a safe fashion and ensuring that the rail network is safe to travel on," she said.
The move came as forecasters said a string of temperature records could be broken this week.
The highest temperature so far this year - 33.6C, recorded on 15 July at Wisley, Surrey - is likely to be beaten mid-week, said the BBC Weather Centre.
And the hottest day ever recorded in the UK - 37.1C (99F), recorded on 3 August 1990 at Cheltenham, Gloucestershire - could also topple on Wednesday or Thursday.
BBC forecaster Nina Ridge said: "We're looking at temperatures around 10 degrees above average for this time of year."
Too hot to shop
Even at night temperatures will remain about 17 or 18C across much of England, which could be uncomfortably sultry for some people, she said.
Some traders have expressed concern that people are too hot to shop.
Peter Avey, who runs Seasiders amusement arcade and restaurant in Brighton, said: "I think it may be too hot for a lot of people.
"Over the weekend numbers of people were up but takings did not reflect it.
"Everyone was buying ice creams and drinks, but I think it's too hot to eat."
No air-con and it's 85F
Mark Lunnon, England
As well as high temperatures this week, there will also be high humidity, causing discomfort or even heat stress for many people.
England will be the hottest area, but Northern Ireland and Scotland will also be in the mid to high 20s.
Forecasters advise vulnerable people - especially the elderly, the very young and those with high blood pressure - to keep cool by staying in the shade, drinking lots of water, and not doing anything too strenuous.
Betting agency William Hill has reduced its odds from 12/1 to 5/1 for bets that the temperature will reach 100F.
Travellers to Europe will find temperatures even higher, with Paris due to reach 40C by Wednesday, Barcelona hitting 36C and Lisbon basking in 38C.
The scorching conditions have exacerbated wildfires in France and Portugal, which left several people dead.
RECORD WEATHER
Temperature extremes by continent:
Africa: 57.8C, El Azizia, Libya, 13 Sep 1922
Antarctica: 15.0C, Vanda Station, Scott Coast 5 Jan 1974
Asia: 53.9C, Tirat Tsvi, Israel, 21 June 1942
Australasia: 53.3C, Cloncurry, Queensland 16 Jan 1889
Europe: 50.0C, Seville, Spain, 4 August 1881
North America: 56.7C, Death Valley, California, 10 July 1913
Oceania (Pacific Rim): 42.2C, Tugnegareo, Philippines, 29 April 1912
South America: 48.9C, Rivadavia, Argentina, 11 Dec 1905
Source: BBC Weather Centre
Story from BBC NEWS:
Published: 2003/08/04 13:56:40 GMT
© BBC MMIII
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