Lawrence Bowman, managing director of SWR and Network Rail Wessex, apologised for the disruption.
He said: “This is the second year in a row that prolonged hot, dry weather has affected our network.
“Since last summer’s intervention, we’ve invested in strengthening the route, carried out extensive work to the track and embankments, and developed a plan that customers can rely on.
“As a result of that careful planning, we’ve managed to reduce journey times in our amended timetable by around 30 minutes compared to last year.”
The shrinkage – known as Soil Moisture Deficit (SMD), external – is already running at a higher level than in 2025, according to SWR data.
SWR train driver Peter Cook said it was noticeable from his cab.
He said: “You can tell when rails are moving and you can see that from a long line away. And at greater speeds it’s more exaggerated.”
BBC News
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