Amtrak Shares Plans for 'Extreme Heat' on US Trains
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
Amtrak has unveiled a suite of operational and engineering strategies as summer approaches, which brings with it the potential for severe extreme heat events.
Why It Matters
Amtrak is the nation's leading high-speed rail operator, transporting more than 30 million passengers each year. It receives state and federal subsidies, much of which goes toward maintaining its busiest route, the Northeast Corridor.
Amtrak's update comes as swathes of the U.S. are expected to experience dangerous heat this weekend, according to forecasters.
Amtrak's "California Zephyr" passenger train departs Chicago Union Station on March 2, 2022.
Amtrak's "California Zephyr" passenger train departs Chicago Union Station on March 2, 2022.
Luke Sharrett/AFP via Getty Images
What To Know
The national passenger rail service outlined its approach in a fact sheet published ahead of summer 2025.
According to the sheet, Amtrak enacts heat restrictions when ambient temperatures exceed 95 degrees Fahrenheit or when rail temperatures reach 128 degrees. These restrictions often require trains to reduce speed.
Overhead power lines—called catenary wires—are especially susceptible to temperature swings. Amtrak trains operating on the Northeast and Keystone Corridors rely on this electrified catenary system, and heat-related tension can sometimes cause components to fail. Any resulting damage may lead to shutdowns until repairs are completed, Amtrak said.
Bridge infrastructure is also affected. The company states that movable bridges, such as drawbridges, can cause delays for marine or other traffic when the structures are moved in high heat.
Amtrak's response plan, should a train lose power or air conditioning, includes identifying passengers with special needs and ensuring access to water. Conductors may also open doors for airflow and request emergency support if needed. The firm added that train crews provide updates through announcements, text, email, and the Amtrak mobile app.
What People Are Saying
Amtrak's fact sheet said: "Our goal is to safeguard customers and employees to ensure our trains are moving with minimal delays. Amtrak takes a proactive approach to notify our customers of heat-related delays. Customers will receive direct notifications on their day of travel if their departure cities are within the heat advisory area."
The National Weather Service Weather (NWS) Prediction Center said on X, formerly Twitter, on Wednesday: "Numerous daily record highs and warm lows are anticipated Sunday into early next week. This level of heat can be dangerous to anyone without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration."
What Happens Next
Heat alerts covered 21 U.S. states on Thursday, with the NWS warning of "dangerously hot conditions" in certain areas.
Extreme heat warnings, issued by the NWS when "a period of very hot temperatures, even by local standards, will occur," were in effect across parts of California, Nevada and Arizona.
Triple-digit temperatures were forecast for parts of New Mexico and West Texas, and extreme heat watches were issued for a large swath of the Midwest.
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