Widespread disruption on the rail network is expected due to the heatwave, with services cancelled and speed restrictions in place.

Network Rail has explained why the hot weather is causing problems across the country.

High temperatures can cause steel tracks to expand and buckle, meaning speed restrictions have been put in place across the network.

Parts of the track will also be closed, and the East Coast Mainline shut between London and York/Leeds on Tuesday afternoon. 

The hot weather can also cause overhead powerlines to expand and sag, which means trains have to move more slowly to avoid damage. 

Read more: Hour-by-hour weather forecast as two-day heatwave hits the North East

Northern Trains has issued a 'do not travel' notice on Tuesday. 

This is what Network Rail has said about the impact of high temperatures on the track.

A spokesperson said: “Hot weather can cause the steel rails to expand and buckle.

⚠️ Only travel if absolutely necessary in England and Wales today. ☀️ The @metofficeUK has issued its first red extreme heat warning, with record temperatures forecast. Very hot weather can severely impact the railway: ➡️ https://t.co/Orv0SO9VvU#heatwaveuk pic.twitter.com/5bm05LKGcK

"Our network is made up of thousands of miles of steel track. Steel absorbs heat easily and track can get up to 20 degrees hotter than the air temperature. 

“When steel gets hot it expands. The rails become longer and start pushing against the pieces of track next to them. This can damage the equipment that detects where trains are and helps us keep trains a safe distance apart.

“When this happens, we stop trains to keep everyone safe. If there is no room for the rail to expand, the rail can buckle and we need to close the line to fix it before trains can run again. When we stop trains or close a line, this causes delays.”

Many train companies are advising people not to travel unless it is essential.

Read more: North East heatwave LIVE: Warnings, school closures and disruption

On Tuesday, LNER will not be running any services between London Kings Cross and York/Leeds between 12pm and 8pm.

Northern has issued a ‘Do Not Travel’ notice to rail users planning to travel on its services in the North East tomorrow (Tuesday 19 July).

Kerry Peters, regional director for Northern, said: “We don’t issue ‘Do Not Travel’ notices lightly, but given the guidance published by government and expected disruption caused by extreme temperatures, we feel this is the safest advice for our customers.

“There will be blanket speed reductions in place and a limited timetable in operation throughout the region.”

TransPennine Express is also warning of distruption.

Kathryn O’Brien, Customer Service and Operations Director for TransPennine Express said: “With weather warnings in place between Sunday and Monday and a number of speed restrictions planned to be imposed on Monday and Tuesday, we will be running an amended train plan and are urging people to only travel if absolutely necessary on these dates.

“This is likely to be some of the hottest weather we’ve ever seen, and it’s really important that anyone making an essential journey is prepared and brings water and sunscreen along with them.

“Journeys will take longer than usual, and further disruption is likely. Anyone using our services on Monday and Tuesday should check before they travel and allow plenty of extra time.”        

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