TRAINS to London from Liverpool Lime Street have been delayed because of soaring temperatures.
A 60mph limit has been imposed from Euston to Crewe along the West Coast Line where Virgin Trains normally travel between 100 - 110mph because of fears the heatwave could cause rails to buckle.
The restrictions were introduced as forecasters predicted the possibility of national figures reaching an all-time high of 37.2C by Wednesday.
They will affect local users travelling to and from London.
They will be in force between midday and 7pm and will remain in place until the weather changes.
The delays will have a cascade effect meaning that because trains do not arrive on time they will be late leaving.
Peter Henderson, Network Rail projects and engineering director, said: "Our first priority is always to run a safe railway.
"With air temperatures expected at over 30 degrees in some areas, we feel it is necessary and sensible to impose speed restrictions. With temperatures dropping early evening, the restrictions are lifted.
"This obviously varies from location to location but tends to happen between 6pm and 8pm.
"Most passengers will not have their services disrupted as a result of these restrictions but we must apologise to those passengers who use the West Coast main line who will experience the most delay."
During the hot weather, track temperatures increase, often to a much higher level than the air temperature.
The problem of rail buckling due to high temperature is an issue railway engineers have always had to contend with.
It is not unique to the UK. Other European countries also suffer from this seasonal track problem.
Steve Hounsham, a spokesman for Transport 2000, said: "Obviously, safety comes first, but many people will be asking why our rail network can't cope with what is, after all, a relatively mild climate."
The scorching weather is set to increase as well. Yesterday it was 27C in Liverpool but by Wednesday the Press Association Weather Centre says that it could hit 31C with no let up until at least next week.
British Waterways have urged youngsters to stay away from canals, rivers and reservoirs in a bid to cool off this summer.
It says that children are putting their lives in danger as water is often colder than expected, with the risk of cramp and subsequent drowning overwhelming even the strongest swimmers.
