Network Rail is aiming to turn hundreds of its staff into "amateur meteorologists" to better deal with extreme weather challenges.
The public rail body will spend £2.8bn over the next five years of effort to manage climate change, including helping staff make better decisions during storms or heatwaves.
Chief Executive Andrew Haines admitted its the "biggest challenge" facing the UK's railways.
A spokesman for the body said: "By training with actual meteorologists, our people will be better placed to make positive decisions when there is extreme weather, from speed restrictions to - in extreme circumstances - closing lines."
It's understood that the "amateur meteorologists" will not get a qualification and will not replace the current forecasts Network Rail currently uses.
The plan is designed to help staff "become more informed and well-rounded decision makers", according to the spokesman.
Improvements to drainage
Network Rail is also planning to increase drainage on rail lines and make them more resilient, as well as recruiting 400 more drainage engineers and installing sensors to monitor movement, alongside CCTV, at flood sites.
It was inadequate drainage, along with extreme weather, that caused the rail crash near Stonehaven in 2020, killing three people and injuring six. Network Rail admitted to a series of failings that led to the crash in September 2023.
It's hoped the investment on new technology will allow trains to run at higher speeds during stormy weather.