Extreme heat set to cause rail disruption across North West

Extreme heat is expected to cause rail disruptions across the North West of England. On Thursday, fewer train services will operate due to the heatwave. Key routes affected include services to and from Manchester Oxford Road and Manchester Piccadilly. Northern Rail has advised passengers to check schedules, carry water, and allow extra travel time. Reduced train speeds and potential impacts on rolling stock and infrastructure are anticipated. Specific routes affected include Rochdale to Blackburn, Southport to Wigan/Manchester Oxford Road, Alderley Edge to Manchester Piccadilly, Hazel Grove/Buxton to Manchester Piccadilly, Rose Hill and Hadfield to Manchester Piccadilly, Leeds to Rochdale (between 10:12 and 16:34 BST), Leeds to York via Harrogate (between 10:45 and 15:45), and no Yorkshire Flyer service between Leeds and Sheffield until 16:52 and 17:45. A full timetable operates between Scarborough and Hull, but services between Hull and Doncaster/Sheffield are reduced. Additionally, no trains will run between Rochdale and Manchester Victoria due to planned engineering work. Northern Rail aims to minimize passenger inconvenience by adjusting schedules and operational measures.