French railways boss urges vulnerable passengers to avoid trains during heatwave

Sunday 21 June 2026 - 11:16

French rail operator SNCF has advised vulnerable passengers to avoid train travel as an intense heatwave continues to affect large parts of the country, raising concerns over transport safety and infrastructure reliability.

The warning comes as extreme temperatures place significant strain on the national rail network, with officials noting that heat can distort railway tracks and damage overhead electrical systems. These conditions increase the risk of operational disruptions, delays, and potential safety incidents.

The head of the French national rail company, SNCF, stated that passengers who are elderly, unwell, or otherwise at risk should consider postponing their journeys or avoid travelling during the peak of the heatwave.

France is currently experiencing widespread high-temperature alerts issued by the national meteorological service, Météo-France. Several regions have been placed under the highest-level red alert, with temperatures forecast to exceed 40°C in some areas.

Meteorologists warn that the heatwave could intensify further in the coming days, with continued high temperatures expected across much of the country. Authorities also caution that the situation may lead to additional strain on public services, including transport, healthcare, and energy networks.

Railway officials emphasize that while trains will continue to operate, service adjustments or disruptions cannot be ruled out due to the impact of extreme heat on infrastructure.

The advisory highlights the growing challenges faced by transport systems in adapting to increasingly frequent and severe climate-related events, particularly during peak summer periods when passenger demand is also high.