East Midlands Railway (EMR), is advising customers to travel only if essential for the rest of the week, as high temperatures are expected to impact rail services across the region.
The UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued an amber heat-health alert across six regions of England, from Wednesday 8 to Sunday 12 July 2026. As a result, EMR will introduce temporary timetable changes to help keep services running safely and reliably.
Customers who need to travel are strongly encouraged to do so before 12:00 noon, avoiding the hottest part of the day wherever possible.
To help reduce disruption Intercity services will operate with the removal of some services, while regional services between Nottingham and Worksop, and Nottingham and Leicester will be suspended from 12:00 noon.
These changes are being made to reduce the impact of the extreme temperatures on the railway, with some services also expected to operate at reduced speeds for safety reasons.
Customers should expect disruption across the network, with longer journey times and an increased risk of delays and short-notice alterations.
The operational plan for Thursday and Friday remains under review, and customers are encouraged to check their journey before they travel.
Customers who need to travel are encouraged to plan ahead and take simple steps to stay safe and comfortable.
As well as travelling before 12:00 noon, customers should carry plenty of water to stay hydrated, wear lightweight clothing, and wait in shaded areas or station waiting rooms.
Customers are encouraged to check the latest travel information before setting off via the EMR website or app.
Philippa Cresswell, Customer Experience Director at East Midlands Railway, said: “The hot weather means we’ll need to make some temporary changes to our services to keep the railway operating safely.
“If you do need to travel and the journey is essential, we’d recommend travelling before midday and checking your journey before setting off.
“We appreciate these changes may inconvenience some customers and we’d like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding while we work to keep people moving safely.”
