Do you have a trip planned in the next few days? Make sure to check, your train might be canceled. Due to the extreme heat expected across France between Thursday, June 18, and Monday, June 22, 2026, and with 26 departments on orange heatwave alert, SNCF traffic will be significantly disrupted. SNCF is set to cancel 71 trains. The reason? To avoid any risk of air conditioning failure.
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Three main lines affected
These cancellations mainly involve Intercities. Specifically, the lines Paris-Orléans-Limoges-Toulouse, Paris-Clermont-Ferrand, and Bordeaux-Marseille will see a significant reduction in the number of trains. These trains, often quite old, have a higher risk of air conditioning failures. This weekend, temperatures are expected to reach over 36°C, with a possible peak of 40°C — so stopping along the route is simply not an option!
🌡️ CANICULE : La SNCF annonce la supression de 71 trains Intercités à partir de ce jeudi et jusqu'à lundi, pour "prévenir les pannes potentielles de climatisation liées aux très hautes températures".
— Infos Françaises (@InfosFrancaises) June 18, 2026
Les lignes Paris-Orléans-Limoges-Toulouse, Paris-Clermont-Ferrand et la… pic.twitter.com/lHhjZxwbOn
Heat: A Major Cause of Train Traffic Disruptions
For the TER and Corail trains, the situation is quite similar. « Their older design does not provide the same robustness », says SNCF. Another issue is that heat causes the tracks to expand, which can also slow down trains. When it’s between 35 and 37°C outside, the temperature of the rails, mostly made of steel, can rise up to 55°C. All passengers affected by upcoming disruptions will be entitled to exchange or refund their tickets, as confirmed by the rail company.