SNCF has implemented emergency technical measures and service adjustments to keep trains running during a severe heatwave across France [1].

These actions are critical because extreme heat causes infrastructure failures, including sagging catenary wires and electrical outages, which threaten passenger safety and transit reliability [1, 2].

To maintain operations, the national railway opened its technical centers to prioritize the repair of air-conditioning units [1]. Technicians have also inspected and reinforced catenary wires, which are prone to sagging when temperatures rise, a phenomenon that can lead to power failures and derailed equipment [1, 2].

Despite these preventative efforts, some regions have faced significant disruptions. In the Île-de-France region, hundreds of travelers were blocked at Gare de l’Est following an electrical failure [3]. Traffic at the station remained interrupted until 10 p.m. [3].

SNCF has also taken a preemptive approach to scheduling. The company cancelled or reduced services on lines identified as most vulnerable to heat [2, 4]. By adjusting schedules, the rail operator aims to keep as many trains running as possible while avoiding total system collapse during peak temperatures [1, 2].

These disruptions coincide with a broader national weather crisis. During the period of peak heat, 17 French departments were placed under orange heat-wave vigilance [4]. The combination of high temperatures and electrical instability has forced the operator to balance the need for connectivity with the physical limitations of the rail network [1, 4].

“SNCF opened its technical centres to repair air‑conditioning units”

The recurring need for SNCF to cancel trains and reinforce infrastructure during summer heatwaves highlights a growing gap between legacy rail design and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events. The reliance on 'orange vigilance' triggers and emergency technical interventions suggests that current infrastructure requires systemic adaptation to prevent widespread transit failure in a warming climate.