Train operator warns against non-essential rail journeys ahead of amber heat warning
“If you do have to travel, please carry a water bottle with you and allow extra time to complete your journey”
A train operator serving Sheffield is warning passengers against making non-essential journeys tomorrow and Thursday, as temperatures are expected to climb.
The mercury in the thermometer is set to hit 33°C both tomorrow and Thursday (June 25, 2026), with the Met Office issuing Sheffield with an amber heat warning.
Other parts of Britain including much of southern England, the midlands, and Wales have been issued with a rare red heat warning, with record temperatures expected in many areas.
And now, East Midlands Railway (EMR) is urging passengers to make emergency journeys only, and for such journeys to be made before midday, in a bid to avoid the highest temperatures.
Philippa Cresswell, Customer Experience Director at EMR said: “High temperatures 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 24 and Thursday 25 June.
“We strongly urge our customers to check their journey before travelling with us and continue to monitor for updates throughout the week, as conditions and service levels may change at short notice.
“If you do have to travel, please carry a water bottle with you and allow extra time to complete your journey.”
EMR say their rail services will continue to run, but customers should expect disruption across the network, impacting both EMR services, and other rail operators.
For safety reasons, some trains will operate at reduced speeds and to amended timetables, meaning journeys will take longer and there is a heightened risk of delays.
Currently, the Met Office’s amber heat warning is set to come into place in Sheffield from midnight tonight, and will remain until place until midnight tomorrow.
A Met Office spokesperson said: “Keep yourself safe by following these simple steps to reduce the likelihood of the heat making you feel unwell; drink plenty of fluids, keep out of the sun and avoid any exercise between 11am-3pm when the sun is strongest and close curtains in rooms that face the sun.
“If you are going out take water with you, stay in the shade, wear sunscreen and a wide brimmed hat.”
EMR has also issued some additional advice for anyone travelling on the rail network.
Customers who do need to travel are strongly advised to take extra precautions to ensure a safe and comfortable journey.
- Keep hydrated; carry a bottle of water with you and top this up throughout the day where facilities are available. Consider travelling with a personal handheld fan if you have one
- Wear lightweight, loose fitting clothing
- Wait for your train in the shade or a station waiting room
- Don’t board a train if you feel unwell – instead speak to staff at our stations who are best placed to assist you. If you are already on board a service and feel unwell, speak to our on train team who will do their best to assist you
- Allow extra time to travel. Services may be busier than usual and some queuing systems may be in place
In addition to disruption caused by the extreme temperatures, separately, an incident on Friday, June 19, 2026 continues to affect EMR Intercity and Connect services.
As part of the amended timetable, a rail replacement bus service remains in operation between Bedford and Luton. Ticket acceptance arrangements with other rail operators remain in place; however, customers are strongly advised to check alternative travel options, as reduced services are also expected on other routes.
For the latest travel information, customers should check before they travel at www.eastmidlandsrailway.co.uk