Outdated US rail system faces increasing delays from extreme weather

Amtrak’s aging infrastructure struggles to maintain operations as climate change causes more frequent extreme weather events, leading to record delays.

Minho Kim reports for The New York Times.

In short:

Amtrak's passengers faced over 4,010 hours of weather-related delays in the 2023 fiscal year.
Heat waves were the largest contributor, causing nearly 1,200 hours of delays due to track deformities.
High temperatures also impact power systems, further disrupting rail services.

Key quote:

“Amtrak is beginning to see climate conditions impact on-time performance and is taking action.”

— Olivia Irvin, spokeswoman for Amtrak

Why this matters:

Increased train delays due to extreme weather highlight the urgent need for infrastructure modernization to adapt to climate change. Without significant investments, travel disruptions and safety risks will continue to escalate.

Be sure to read our related coverage:

www.nytimes.com

Outdated US rail system faces increasing delays from extreme weather

NCAR, major climate research center, targeted for closure in Trump dispute with Colorado

Trump gutted climate rules in 2025. He could make it permanent in 2026.

Here's the global playbook being used to crack down on climate protest

Greenpeace’s fight with pipeline giant exposes a legal loophole

Food becoming more calorific but less nutritious due to rising carbon dioxide

Can Santa Claus survive in a melting world?

How to protect New York’s subway in an era of extreme rainfall

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.