COMMUTERS can expect delays and possible cancellations as rail companies offer a reduced service due to the heatwave.

Train operators are urging passengers not to travel today and tomorrow unless absolutely necessary as temperatures across parts of the country edge close to 40C for the first time ever.

A national emergency has been declared for England due to the extreme heat, with Network Rail imposing speed restrictions on trains to prevent damage to rail lines.

Southern, Thameslink and Gatwick Express services across Sussex are impacted by the heatwave with warnings of a “substantial risk of disruption”.

Angie Doll, chief operating officer at Govia Thameslink Railway - which operates all three services, said: “With the Met Office issuing warnings for extreme heat, speed restrictions are being put in place across our network to keep trains and passengers safe.

“This means we’ll have far fewer services for people to catch and there will also be a very real risk of disruption.

“Even if you are able to travel in the morning, you may need to consider alternative ways to get home as a result.”

Tickets dated for Monday and Tuesday will be valid on services on Wednesday and Thursday, with season ticket and flexi ticket holders able to claim compensation through the delay repay scheme.

Passengers who do decide to travel are urged to carry a bottle of water with them and not to board a train if they feel unwell.

How your journey is affected by this week's disruption

Gatwick Express

Services will be suspended both today and tomorrow.

Thameslink

Services will run a significantly reduced service across all routes today and tomorrow.

Only two trains will run per hour between London, Gatwick Airport and Brighton - which will not call at Redhill.

Trains between Horsham and London will be amended to run between Horsham and Redhill only; passengers should use Southern services between Reigate and London Victoria for onward journeys.

Southern

Services are expected to mostly run as planned today and tomorrow, but some routes could see their service reduced.