Amtrak Northeast cancels over 2 dozen trains amid intense heat

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Amtrak has canceled more than two dozen trains in the Northeast due to the heat as holiday travel is in full effect. Some trains are also operating at reduced speeds through July 4, according to officials.

Delays are possible during the hours of 11 a.m. through 7 p.m., and travelers are advised to check for the latest updates on the Amtrak website or app.

On Thursday, the heat index -- what temperature it feels like with humidity -- hit a scorching 110 degrees in Philadelphia. It is expected to be much of the same through Saturday.

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The extreme heat also crippled NJ Transit this week, turning the evening rush hour into a commuter nightmare for travelers attempting to get home.

The transit meltdown was so bad, NJ Transit officials urged its rail customers to find other ways to get home, if possible, cross-honoring on NJ Transit or private carrier buses, PATH, or even NY Waterway ferries, as electric trains were slowed by the heat, according to our sister station WABC.

"What we want people to do is use all the methods we are making available...to try and use all of those systems to get home," NJ Transit President and CEO Kris Kolluri. "It's the most excessive temperatures we have had this year."

NJ TRANSIT rail service is subject to up to 60-minute delays and cancellations of select trains due to the impact on the equipment, related to the extreme temperatures.

Customers should visit njtransit.com/ABC for available alternate service information.