This week, on Wednesday and Thursday, there is a red warning for extreme heat.

Great Western Railway is highlighting this to customers and advising them to travel only if absolutely necessary on both days.

The heat will affect the rails, and trains will run slower to keep them safe. Journeys will be longer, and fewer services will operate during the warmest parts of the day.

Short notice cancellations or alterations are also likely to occur.

Those with tickets for the 24th and 25th June can use them either today or tomorrow, or up to the 26th June.

Customers should allow extra time, check journeys online, stay hydrated and speak to staff if you feel unwell.

Further details on alterations can be found on GWR’s website.

“We want to keep our customers safe during this period of extreme heat, which is why we are taking the precautionary step of amending services at the hottest times of day. We know this is disruptive and we’re sorry for the inconvenience it will cause, but customer safety must come first.

“We’d encourage everyone planning to travel on Wednesday and Thursday to travel earlier in the week or later, allow extra time and bring water with them.”

GWR and Network Rail Performance Director, Daryn McCombe