Trains are likely to run slower than usual this week due to the heat wave. SNCF has launched its “high heat” plan and take precautionary measures.
Up to 55 degrees on rails
When it is 37 degrees outside, the rail temperature can exceed 55 degrees. But under the effect of heat, the rail expands, deforms and all this promotes accidents. The SNCF must therefore limit the speed.
The catenaries also take a heat stroke
Under the heat wave, the catenaries also deform, relax. On the oldest lines, they can touch the roof of the train or create an electric arc with it.
Those are relatively insignificant delays, of the order of 5 to 10 minutes on certain lines specifies the SNCF. This mainly concerns high-speed lines, where the speed is more like 280-300 km/h rather than 330 km/h, which generates delays on arrival but it is not very impactful.