Commuters face more heatwave delays

For those not waiting for trains it was time to enjoy the sun

Rail passengers are being warned they face a week of disruption because of speed limits imposed in response to soaring UK temperatures.

Many train companies will run services at a slower than usual speed for a second day amid concern tracks may buckle in temperatures of up to 33C.

Commuters faced delays of up to an hour getting home on Monday after Network Rail imposed the limits.

The speed limits which brought trains which normally travel at up to 110 miles an hour, down to 60 were lifted as temperatures cooled.

FUN IN THE SUN

Your pictures of the UK enjoying a heatwave

In pictures

The West Coast mainline and the Cross Country network were among the hardest hit with some long distance services halved to one an hour.

The worst-hit station was Birmingham New Street, where half the trains to London were cancelled and Virgin passengers faced average delays of 45 to 60 minutes.

Animals at risk

The heatwave has prompted calls from animal welfare campaigners, who say farmers should not send their livestock to market in the current temperatures.

Compassion in World Farming told the BBC's Farming Today programme that animals are at risk of suffering or dying as many British lorries do not have air conditioning and markets tend to be packed.

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 The records ready to fall

But livestock auctioneers say there is plenty of space for animals as August is a quiet month for trade.

And the Road Hauliers Association said animals are moved in the early morning or a night when temperatures fall.

Meanwhile forecasters say temperature records could be broken this week.

The highest temperature so far this year - 33.6C, on 15 July at Wisley, Surrey - is likely to be beaten by mid-week, said the BBC Weather Centre.

No air-con and it's 85F Mark Lunnon, England Send us your comments

And the hottest day recorded in the UK - 37.1C (99F), recorded on 3 August 1990 at Cheltenham, Gloucestershire - could 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."

Even at night temperatures will remain about 17 or 18C across much of England.

As well as high temperatures this week, there will also be high humidity.

England will be the hottest area, but Northern Ireland and Scotland will also be in the mid to high 20s.

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

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