France Heatwave: Authorities urge vulnerable travellers to avoid trains

Rising temperatures in France has prompt transport minitsry to take precautionary steps. French rail officials warned that elderly people and others particularly vulnerable to extreme heat should consider postponing rail travel if possible.

The head of SNCF, the French state-owned railway operator on Sunday advised vulnerable people against taking the train during the ‌heatwave that is expected to peak in France early next week.

"We recommend the most vulnerable people postpone their trip or at least avoid taking the train during this heatwave," Jean Castex told reporters.

The concern is that very high temperatures can cause train delays, breakdowns, and air-conditioning failures. France’s national rail operator, SNCF has already cancelled dozens of Intercités services as a precaution because some older trains are more susceptible to air-conditioning problems during extreme heat.

Castex, a former French Prime Minister, said that incidents could not be ruled out due to the high temperatures, which he said were "strongly" impacting the rail network and can notably deform tracks and damage overhead electrical lines.

France is experiencing a heatwave, with temperatures approaching or exceeding 40°C in some areas and heat alerts covering much of the country.

Authorities have been urging vulnerable people to take extra precautions.

Rail infrastructure is also affected by heat as railway tracks can expand and overhead power lines can sag or fail, leading to slower speeds, delays, or service disruptions.

Weather agency Meteo France said in its latest update on Sunday that 35 departments were ‌now under a red heatwave warning, the maximum level, and 45 others under an orange warning, with temperatures of 41 degrees Celsius expected in some parts of the country.

"An extension of the red heatwave warning is possible for Monday in some departments currently under orange alert," Meteo France said.

"The heatwave is expected to intensify on Monday, with peaks of 42 C expected. It is likely that the heatwave will continue or even worsen in some regions for much of next week," it added.