Wales breaking news plus weather and traffic updates (Wednesday, June 24)

Train passengers across Wales are facing widespread disruption as operators cancel services amid an unprecedented red weather warning for extreme heat.

Rail routes across north, mid and south Wales have been affected on Wednesday as temperatures are forecast to climb towards 38C, with forecasters warning of a “severe weather event” that could pose risks to life and infrastructure.

Several rail lines have already seen services suspended or cancelled due to the conditions, while Network Rail and train operators continue to monitor the impact of the heatwave on tracks, signalling systems and rolling stock.

Among the routes affected are services between Manchester Piccadilly and Cardiff Central, Bridgend and Maesteg, Cardiff Central and Ebbw Vale Town, and Llandudno and Blaenau Ffestiniog, where severe weather-related disruption is expected to continue throughout Wednesday.

Additional disruption has been reported on routes between Shrewsbury and Birmingham International because of forecast extreme weather conditions.