Travel chaos wreaks havoc in Britain as train cancellations engulf UK amid extreme heat

Britain is expected to be hit by extreme heat, causing major travel disruptions nationwide.

Several train journeys have been cancelled due to the weather, including international journeys to Europe.

Eurostar has confirmed a number of its journeys this week will no longer go ahead as planned.

Journeys between London St Pancras International and Paris Gare du Nord are among those cancelled.

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The trips affected are Tuesday to Thursday this week, when temperatures are expected to be at their highest.

Other services including Southern, Thameslink, Gatwick Express and Great Northern have also confirmed they will be running reduced services in the heat in the coming days, with thousands of passengers likely to be disrupted.

GTR says there could also be short-notice cancellations.

Holidaymakers are also facing disruption as Bristol Airport has been forced to ground flights due to a "weather-related issue".

Thunderstorms last night have led to "complex damage" to the air traffic control systems, which forced the airport to close last night.

It has since reopened but is facing severe delays.

Commuters travelling between London Euston and Birmingham New Street have been met with a series of cancellations and delays throughout the day, with Avanti West Coast confirming the delays are due to "severe weather."

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Travellers to France and Portugal have also been warned about the extreme temperatures set to hit over the coming days and summer months.

Visitors have been warned about the risk of wildfires in both countries as the warm weather could lead to increased risk over the summer.

Stagecoach also warned of disruption in the coming days due to heat, but confirmed they "aim to keep services running as smoothly as possible".

Network Rail has urged passengers to make only essential journeys on Wednesday and Thursday.

Eurostar released a statement apologising for the disruption.

It read: "Due to expected adverse weather on the Eurostar network, your train is cancelled.

"We’re so sorry for the disruption and any inconvenience caused.

"We understand how much this affects your travel plans, and we’re here to help you find the best way forward."

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