SNCF Warns Vulnerable Travellers as France Faces Intense Heatwave
Heatwave Impact and Travel Advisory from SNCF
SNCF's Warning to Vulnerable Passengers
PARIS, June 21 (Reuters) - The head of SNCF, the French state-owned railway operator on Sunday advised vulnerable people against taking the train during the heatwave that is expected to peak in France early next week.
"We recommend the most vulnerable people postpone their trip or at least avoid taking the train during this heatwave," Jean Castex told reporters.
Potential Risks to Rail Network
• Castex, a former French Prime Minister, said that incidents could not be ruled out due to the high temperatures, which he said were "strongly" impacting the rail network and can notably deform tracks and damage overhead electrical lines.
Weather Agency Updates and Warnings
Current Heatwave Warnings
• Weather agency Meteo France said in its latest update on Sunday that 35 departments were now under a red heatwave warning, the maximum level, and 45 others under an orange warning, with temperatures of 41 degrees Celsius expected in some parts of the country.
Possible Extension of Red Warning
• "An extension of the red heatwave warning is possible for Monday in some departments currently under orange alert," Meteo France said. The heatwave is expected to intensify on Monday, with peaks of 42 C expected.
Outlook for the Coming Week
• "It is likely that the heatwave will continue (or even worsen in some regions) for much of next week," it added.
(Reporting by Dominique Vidalon, Editing by Louise Heavens)
