Rail users in the county are being told "only travel if necessary" on Monday and Tuesday, as sweltering temperatures are set to disrupt train timetables - while road organisations are warning of "melting roads".

The forecast for the next 48-hours is for potentially record-breaking temperatures in parts of England - with the mercury set to nudge 40-degrees.

Now train firm Southeastern has warned passengers if they do travel to expect delays.

It said this afternoon: "Weather warnings for extreme heat are in place for Monday and Tuesday and speed restrictions will be in place across our network .

"Services may be disrupted and you should only travel if necessary."

Network Rail, which handles the rail infrastructure added: "Only travel in England and Wales if absolutely necessary during the record-breaking temperatures from Monday."

And they far from alone.

Across the country, more than a dozen train companies are urging rail users not to travel early next week as the UK’s first red extreme heat warning comes into force.

A total of 21 operators – ranging from Transport for Wales and Gatwick Express to the Transpennine Express and Southern – said they will be running a slower service on Monday and Tuesday after National Rail implemented speed restrictions across its network.

Chief operating officer of Transport for London, Andy Lord, said London’s rail network would also be running a reduced service on Monday and Tuesday.

He told LBC: “We’re advising all our customers to only travel if their journey is essential, to make sure that they stay hydrated and carry water with them if they do have to travel."

The AA has meanwhile warned of roads melting and tyres bursting early next week during the heatwave.

Some local authorities have sent out the gritters to put sand on roads to try to prevent the road surface from melting, the association said.

Edmund King, AA president, said: “The extreme temperatures could be dangerous if you breakdown or get stuck in congestion. Ensure you have enough fuel or electric charge to keep your air-conditioning running. The heatwave could cause considerable problems for many older vehicles without air-conditioning or recent servicing, with both the car and occupants over-heating. Driving outside the hottest part of the day is advisable.

“Carry plenty of water – at least one litre per person travelling. Keeping yourself and other occupants hydrated can help lower body temperatures in hot weather. If the worst should happen, you can keep yourself and those with you topped up with cool water while waiting for help to arrive.”