Train cancellations in the UK rose significantly during the summer months, with over 102,667 planned journeys called off between April and June — a 4.1 per cent cancellation rate. This marked an increase from the previous quarter, when more than 80,000 cancellations (3.2 per cent) were recorded. The Office of Rail and Road (ORR), which monitors rail performance, linked the rise to extreme weather conditions, including prolonged heatwaves and dry spells. These conditions led to technical issues such as track faults and power line failures on several key rail routes. Officials expect delays and cancellations to worsen in the coming months as heatwave conditions are expected to persist into July and August. Two train derailments occurred in August within a 24-hour period — one near Lewes and another near Wickford — with initial investigations pointing to high temperatures as a major contributing factor. Among train operators, CrossCountry had the highest cancellation rate at 8 per cent — double the national average. Avanti West Coast followed closely at 7.1 per cent. Nine other rail companies recorded cancellation rates above the national average, while only six had rates below it. Anit Chandarana, group director of system operator at Network Rail, explained that the extended period of extreme heat and dry weather placed added stress on both tracks and rolling stock. In response, Network Rail is carrying out a £2.6 billion upgrade program aimed at improving the rail system's resilience to future extreme weather events. Nick Westcott, CrossCountry’s service delivery director, said that extreme weather conditions not only impacted train reliability but also contributed to a range of other network disruptions. Avanti West Coast noted that over two-thirds of their delays and more than 70 per cent of their cancelled services were due to infrastructure problems, such as failures in overhead power lines, or external incidents like trespassing and vehicles hitting bridges. A Department for Transport spokesperson acknowledged that while the overall cancellation rate for the year remains stable at 3.9 per cent, the summer heat caused frustration among passengers. The department is investing £2.6 billion through Network Rail to improve the system’s ability to withstand severe weather and is also working to take train operators into public ownership as part of its plan to establish Great British Railways.