GO Train delays possible as heat wave grips GTA

Commuters using the GO Train could face possible delays this week as a heat wave grips southern Ontario.

Metrolinx, the Crown agency that operates GO Transit, says it is required to run trains at slower speeds during prolonged periods of high heat.

“To ensure the safety of our customers and crew, slow orders are issued along the network,” Metrolinx said in a statement on Tuesday.

“As a result, some trips may be cancelled or delayed on your line today arriving 10 to 15 minutes later than originally scheduled at their destination.”

• Your hourly and 7-day forecast on our CP24.com weather hub

In a video on its YouTube channel, GO Transit explained that railway tracks in direct sunlight could heat up and become extremely hot, causing them to expand and potentially buckle, which is called a “sun kink.”

The agency said if a track buckles, it becomes wider than normal, resulting in problems for trains.

Slowing down the trains, GO Transit said, will reduce the impact of expanded rails and lower the chance of a sun kink.

Environment Canada says a “long-duration heat event” has begun in southern Ontario and is expected to last until Friday, possibly into the weekend.

Most areas could see daytime highs of 31 and 34 C, with some possibly reaching 37 C.

Environment Canada says the hottest days will be on Canada Day and the following day.

There will be little relief from the heat during this event, Environment Canada says, as temperatures will only drop down to lows of 21 to 25 C.