New Wave of Cancellations on Clermont-Paris Train Line Due to Heatwave
Paris, August 12, 2026 – The heatwave continues to severely impact train services on the Clermont-Paris line, with SNCF announcing further cancellations for Wednesday, August 12, and Thursday, August 13. This marks the fifth heatwave episode of the summer, causing significant disruptions for travelers.
SNCF reactivated its transport alleviation plan on Monday, August 10, in response to the high temperatures. The intense heat poses risks to the railway network, including rail dilation, overheating track equipment, and tension in overhead lines, which can lead to breakdowns in critical areas.
Affected Services on Wednesday, August 12
On Wednesday, August 12, four round-trip trains are cancelled, with 10 out of 14 scheduled services operating:
- From Clermont-Ferrand: trains n°5966 (10:27 AM) and n°5970 (1:29 PM)
- From Paris-Bercy: trains n°5959 (12:58 PM) and n°5963 (1:56 PM)
Increased Cancellations on Thursday, August 13
The number of cancellations will increase on Thursday, August 13, with six trains affected, leaving 8 out of 14 services running:
- From Clermont-Ferrand: trains n°5966 (10:27 AM), n°5970 (1:29 PM), and n°5978 (4:30 PM)
- From Paris-Bercy: trains n°5959 (12:58 PM), n°5963 (1:56 PM), and n°5971 (3:57 PM)
These circulation adjustments will continue identically on Friday, August 14. SNCF strongly recommends that affected passengers verify their reservations before heading to the station. Those whose trains are cancelled are eligible for free exchanges or refunds.
Why the SNCF Limits Services During Heatwaves
The decision to limit train services is a precautionary measure to ensure passenger safety and prevent infrastructure damage. The extreme heat causes rails to expand and track equipment to overheat, increasing the risk of malfunctions. Furthermore, the older Corail train sets, in service since 1975, are not designed to withstand such high temperatures. Their air conditioning systems often fail when temperatures exceed 35-38°C, a threshold frequently surpassed in Auvergne this summer.
Concerns for the August 15 Weekend
The extended August 15 weekend, typically one of the busiest travel periods, is also expected to be challenging. Météo-France forecasts temperatures of around 36°C on Wednesday, 37°C on Thursday, and up to 38°C on Friday, August 14, in Clermont-Ferrand. A slight reprieve with potential thunderstorms is expected on Saturday and Sunday.
SNCF assures the public that the situation is being re-evaluated daily based on Météo-France’s predictions. Further cancellations are not ruled out if the heatwave persists.
Source: France 3 Régions
