Chiltern Railways is urging customers to travel only if essential on Thursday, August 13, as extreme temperatures are expected to cause significant disruption across its network.

Temperatures are forecast to reach as high as 38°C across parts of the network, prompting the operator to introduce a reduced timetable between 11am and 8pm to help maintain reliable services during the hottest part of the day.

Under the temporary timetable, off-peak services between London Marylebone and Birmingham Moor Street will run hourly, while some services between London Marylebone and Oxford will be cancelled.

No Chiltern Railways services will operate from Birmingham Snow Hill from 10.15am until the end of the day, and Leamington Spa to Birmingham Moor Street shuttle services will not run after 11am.

A small number of peak-time services on other routes will also be cancelled.

Customers with tickets for Thursday, August 13, can instead use them on Wednesday, August 12, Friday, August 14, or Saturday, August 15.

Those who no longer wish to travel will be eligible for a full fee-free refund from their point of purchase.

Michael Stewart, commercial and customer strategy director at Chiltern Railways, said: "We are asking customers to travel only if essential on Thursday because of the exceptionally high temperatures forecast across our network.

Download our Nub News App!

- It’s FREE and available now
- Breaking news notifications
- Your Town in Your Pocket

"By operating a reduced timetable during the hottest part of the day, we can provide a more reliable and comfortable service for customers.

"If you do need to travel, please check your journey before setting out, allow extra time and carry water with you to stay hydrated."

The rail operator is advising passengers who do travel to check travel information before setting out.

Customers are also being encouraged to use luggage racks to maximise space onboard and to seek assistance at staffed stations if they feel unwell.

More information on travelling in the heat can be found here.