Trains and trams disrupted as West Midlands swelters under the sun
Trains and trams have been disrupted today as sweltering temperatures saw a new record temperature set for July.
The record 36.9C (98.42F) temperature at Heathrow outstripped the previous high for the month of 36.7C (98.06F) set four years ago and it is possible that the all-time UK record of 38.5C (101.3F) could be broken today, the Met Office said.
Although not quite as hot as down south, temperatures across the West Midlands were expected to reach around 35C (95F) today with a threat of a sharp shower later.
Scorching conditions may spark thunderstorms which could trigger travel delays, flash flooding, and power cuts, the Met Office warned.
Meanwhile police issued a warning about swimming during the heatwave after three men drowned and another was reported missing.
Travel updates
Trains have been disrupted throughout the West Midlands this afternoon due to damaged overhead lines and signalling faults, while at least 17 rail companies across the country have faced difficulties today.
The overhead wires were damaged in Handsworth, affecting trains between Birmingham New Street and Wolverhampton and between New Street and Walsall.
As a result no Virgin Trains have been stopping at Sandwell & Dudley, Wolverhampton and Birmingham International and no Transport for Wales services have been running between Shrewsbury and Birmingham International.
There have been delays on trains towards Walsall and Lichfield Trent Valley, while trains between Birmingham, Stourbridge and Kidderminster have been running at a reduced speed due to a signalling fault.
The disruption started at around 1pm and was expected to last until the end of the day, according to National Rail.
Meanwhile no West Midlands Metro trams are running between Birmingham and Wednesbury due to a power outage at around 3.30pm.
West Midlands Railway said it was working on a "revised plan" to keep train services on track throughout the day.
Engineers had been out painting tracks white in a bid to repel the heat and avoid lines from buckling.
Rail officials urged passengers to check services before they travel.
People travel on trains from the West Midlands into and out of London faced slower journeys with speed restrictions in place on the West Coast Main Line between noon and 8pm.
And Cross Country Services also have speed restrictions in place throughout the afternoon.
Extreme weather action teams have been "activated" to keep passengers safe and trains running, officials said.
James Dean, Network Rail's chief operating officer for North West and Central, said: “Keeping passengers moving is always our top priority. But we want people to be prepared.
"If the soaring temperatures do lead to us having to put in place slower speeds for safety reasons, please bear with us our engineers work to fix the problem. It may mean some journeys take longer.
“For those who must travel by rail, we’d remind people to carry some water with them so they don’t get too parched, and always check before travelling so they know exactly what to expect.”
Cooling off: Latest weather forecast
Families flocked to cool off at Walsall Arboretum splash pad while keepers at Dudley Zoo were helping the animals from overheating.
Lemurs were handed frozen beetroot lollies and chipanzees stayed cool thanks to a paddling pool and frozen bananas
A yellow weather warning is in force for most of England from 3pm on Thursday until 4am on Friday.
According to the Met Office, there is a 60 per cent chance the mercury could rise above the current all-time UK temperature record of 38.5C on Thursday.
"It will get into the 30s across the country and reach the mid-30s in the south-east," Met Office meteorologist Greg Dewhurst said.
"If it is to get to 39C, it will happen somewhere between London and Cambridge.
"Temperatures locally could also break July or all-time records."
WATCH Met Office forecast
Lightning storms have already caused fires and rail disruption this week during the heatwave.
The Met Office has warned heatwaves are on the increase as a result of climate change.
It is even possible the mercury could climb to 40C, which would be "unprecedented" for the UK climate, weather forecasters said.
The scorching temperatures gripping the UK and much of Europe come against a backdrop of global warming of 1C since the Industrial Revolution driven by greenhouse gas emissions.
Both Belgium and the Netherlands broke their all-time maximum temperature records on Wednesday, reaching 39.9C and 39.1C respectively, the Met Office said.
Higher temperatures are making extreme hot spells more likely and more intense, experts warn.
