Extreme Heat Slows Metra Trains, Pre-Labor Day Schedules Start Friday

Metra commuters may experience delays of 10 to 15 minutes this week as the trains run at reduced speeds in the dangerously hot weather.  

Metra posted on its website Monday: "Due to the forecast for extremely hot weather in the Chicago region over the next several days, Metra riders may experience delays of 10 to 15 minutes.

When temperatures exceed 95 degrees, it is necessary to operate our trains at reduced speeds to compensate for heat-related stresses on our track, switches and signals. During this heat event, we will have all resources on standby so we can quickly respond and restore service. We regret any inconvenience this may cause."

Metra commuters will also be affected by the modified pre-Labor Day weekend schedule, which starts Friday, Aug. 30.  

Metra will run additional express trains Friday on the Union Pacific Northwest line from Ogilve to Mount Prospect and then making all stops to Crystal Lake at 1:24 p.m. and 2:24 p.m.

There will be an express train to Mount Prospect at 3:10 p.m. with all stops being then made to Harvard. A 3:26 p.m. train will make all stops to Palatine. 

The following trains will be cancelled on Friday: number 625 at 3:25 p.m., 635 at 4:57 p.m., 641 at 5:16 p.m., 645 at 5:23 p.m. and 651 at 6:01 p.m. and inbound train number 650. Train number 637 at 5:06 p.m. and train 643 at 5:20 p.m. will make an additional stop at Palatine 

The weekend/holiday schedule will be in effect Monday, Sept. 2.

More information is available on Metra's website here.