Amtrak and Extreme Heat

As summer temperatures increase, so can the impact on your train travel plans—literally! Extreme heat can impact Amtrak’s operations, resulting in slower speeds or brief delays. This isn’t just bad luck; it’s part of Amtrak’s strategy to ensure the safety of travelers during periods of high temperatures. Freight and other passenger railroads do the same thing for their train, so this is not just an issue for Amtrak and extreme heat.

To be objective, extreme heat can affect every mode of transportation—from land to sky.

Understanding how Amtrak handles extreme heat—and what that means for your trip—can help you set realistic expectations and avoid surprises. Whether you’re planning a cross-country rail adventure or just trying to beat traffic into the city, it’s helpful to know what’s happening behind the scenes when the temperature climbs.

In this post, we’ll cover how extreme heat impacts train travel, what Amtrak does to keep things moving, and what you can do to stay cooler and more comfortable along the way.

Why Does Amtrak Slow Down in the Heat?

Just like pavement can crack or buckle in extreme temperatures, railroad tracks are vulnerable to heat.

Steel rails expand when heated, and if this expansion isn’t managed, it can lead to misalignments or “sun kinks,” which pose safety hazards for trains.

That’s why railroads, including Amtrak, implement heat restrictions during periods of high temperatures. These restrictions mean trains must operate at reduced speeds in certain areas.

While this may result in some delays, safety remains their top priority.

Amtrak generally puts heat restrictions in place when:

• The air temperature rises above 95°F
• Or when rail temperatures hit 128°F

These conditions trigger slower train speeds to protect both passengers and the tracks themselves.

How Amtrak Keeps You Informed During Heatwaves

If your departure or travel area falls within a heat advisory zone, Amtrak takes a proactive approach to notify you. Here’s how they keep you in the loop:

• Email and text alerts on the day of travel
• Real-time updates in the Amtrak app
• Heat advisory notices on Amtrak.com

So while you might not be able to control the weather, you can stay informed—and that makes a big difference when planning your day.

Pro Tip: You can monitor trains on your own, too! Use Amtrak’s train tracker or check third-party rail tracking tools. If you want to learn how or links to third part sites, check out my Tracking Amtrak Train Page.

What Happens If There’s a Power Outage or No A/C?

No one wants to be stuck on a train without air conditioning during a heatwave.. That’s why Amtrak has a clear response plan, especially along the Northeast Corridor, where trains are powered by overhead electric wires known as catenary wires.

If there’s a power or A/C issue, here’s what Amtrak does:

• Crew members monitor onboard conditions and check on passengers, especially those with special needs.
• Water and beverages are stored on trains and even in Amtrak Police vehicles.
• Vestibule doors may be opened (when safe) to increase airflow.
• Backup trains with crews are strategically positioned every 30 to 50 miles on the NEC for rapid deployment.
• Mechanical technicians ride trains daily to identify and fix problems before they grow.

Even if delays occur, Amtrak works to keep passengers safe and as comfortable as possible.

Special Challenges on the Northeast Corridor

If you are traveling on the Northeast Corridor or Keystone Corridor, your train is powered by electricity from overhead wires called catenary systems. These wires can be affected by extreme temperature changes.

Catenary wires, similar to steel tracks, expand when heated. When this occurs, the cables may sag or, in rare instances, break. If a wire is damaged, it disrupts the power supply, resulting in delays or even temporary service suspensions until repairs are completed.

While not common, this information is valuable, especially on routes with long blocks of uninterrupted electric service.

High Heat Can Affect Bridges Too

Amtrak’s network includes drawbridges and movable bridges, and these can also be affected by extreme heat. On hot days, moving these structures becomes more challenging, which may result in slight delays for both train and marine traffic.

Amtrak regularly maintains these bridges to minimize disruptions. However, similar to a car, maintenance cannot prevent all issues from occurring. As the saying goes, “stuff happens.”

Where Amtrak Monitors Heat Closely

Amtrak keeps a close watch on rail and weather conditions across several major routes, including:

• Northeast Corridor (Washington, DC to Boston)
• Keystone Line (Harrisburg to Philadelphia)
• Empire Line (New York State)
• Springfield Line (Connecticut and Massachusetts)
• Michigan Line, including a portion in Indiana

If you’re riding any of these lines during a heatwave, rest assured that Amtrak is actively monitoring conditions.

Amtrak and Extreme Heat on Other Railroads

Many Amtrak trains operate on tracks that are owned by freight companies or other passenger railroads.

On these routes, the host railroads—usually freight companies—are responsible for monitoring rail temperatures and issuing heat restrictions as needed.

If a busy passenger line has heat restrictions, it often leads to delays that can compound throughout the day.

Tips for Travelers During Extreme Heat

Even with Amtrak’s safety measures, a little prep goes a long way. Here are some ways to stay comfortable:

• Download the Amtrak app for real-time train updates and alerts
• Bring extra water and snacks, especially if your route is under a heat advisory
• Charge your devices before your trip (and pack a portable charger as well).
• Pack some entertainment—a downloaded movie, book, or podcast
• Dress in lightweight layers and breathable clothing
• Be patient—delays help keep your journey safe

Keep Travels with Kev on Track!

🚂 Hop On Board—It’s Free!

Join my free newsletter and get your hands on the Quick Reference Guide to Amtrak Long-Distance Trains—your go-to resource for train equipment details, dining options, and more.

You’ll also receive insider travel tips, Amtrak updates, and exclusive content—delivered straight to your inbox.

💌 Help Keep Travels with Kev on Track!

If you’ve found my tips helpful, consider supporting my work on Patreon. For just $ 5 per month, you’ll receive a limited-edition postcard featuring photos from my travels.

Or, check out my Support Page for other ways to contribute—whether through a wish list item or a one-time donation, every bit helps keep the journey rolling.

👉 Don’t miss the ride—join the adventure today!

Kev’s Final Thoughts

Traveling by train in the summer is an excellent way to unwind and explore the country. However, it’s essential to be prepared for heat-related delays. Amtrak’s heat safety measures are just one of the many ways they work behind the scenes to protect passengers and crews.

So if you’re hitting the rails this summer, stay cool, stay informed, keep calm and understanding, and enjoy the ride.

Safe travels and happy planning,

Kev