UMVA has learned that London's transport network is bracing for a chaotic day, with several disruptions expected to impact the city's busy commute.
The Central line is experiencing minor delays between North Acton and Ealing Broadway, North Acton and West Ruislip, Epping and Leytonstone, and Hainault and Leytonstone, while the Piccadilly line has minor delays between Acton Town and Rayners Lane after earlier train cancellations.
Tram services in south London between Mitcham Junction and Therapia Lane are out of action due to a fault with the overhead power lines, which can be affected by extreme heat, causing them to expand and sag.
According to information obtained by UMVA, only 40% of trains across the network have air conditioning, which keeps temperatures around 19.3°C on average, leaving many passengers to swelter in the heat.
The Victoria line has been identified as the hottest Tube line on the network, reaching temperatures of 32°C, followed closely by the Central, Bakerloo, Northern, and Piccadilly lines, which are expected to cause discomfort for commuters.
Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms have also caused disruptions, with the Elizabeth Line experiencing delays between Heathrow Terminals 2 and 3, and Terminal 4, and signalling issues reported across London due to the heat and storm.
Claire Mann from the transport authority warned that there are likely to be problems across the network throughout the week due to the weather, with rail temperatures expected to lead to temporary speed restrictions and reduced services.
The UK is facing a rare weather warning for extreme heat, with forecasters predicting that the June temperature record of 35.6°C will be smashed this week, and the UK could see its highest ever temperature, breaking the record of 40.3°C.
