BBC - Record Heat Snarls UK Train Service

[hatrack]

Trains slow as UK swelters
Rail speed restrictions have been put in place as UK temperatures edge towards record levels

"Network Rail imposed the restrictions on many of Britain's busiest lines, amid fears of rails buckling in temperatures of up to 33C.

The speed restrictions will bring trains which normally travel at up to 110 miles an hour, down to 60.

EDIT

The move came as forecasters said a string of temperature records could be broken this week.

The highest temperature so far this year - 33.6C, recorded on 15 July at Wisley, Surrey - is likely to be beaten mid-week, said the BBC Weather Centre. And the hottest day ever recorded in the UK - 37.1C (99F), recorded on 3 August 1990 at Cheltenham, Gloucestershire - could also topple on Wednesday or Thursday."

EDIT

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/3120805.stm

[FlashHarry]

1. My brother's getting hitched in the UK on Saturday...

...in the Isle of Man. I hope he doesn't sweat through his morning suit!

All of Western Europe is experiencing this. My dad lives in Switzerland and his house has no A/C--he's never needed it before--and now he's dying! Autumn can't come fast enough, it seems.

[qb]

2. The lack of A/C is also what drove my in-laws out of Duluth

as a Summer home. The summer heat has become unbearable for many in this northern MN city on the shore of Lake Superior.

But, what the hell... There is no Global Warming, and it's all Nature's fault, anyway.

[Sirius_on]

3. And Michigan has been below normal for 10 consecuative months

It all has to do with jet stream patterns and oscillations. London recieved more snow this year then the past 5 years combined.