What could be a potential consequence of cold weather when coupling trains?

Cold weather can lead to frozen couplings, which is a critical concern for train operators. When temperatures drop significantly, moisture in the air can freeze, causing couplings—mechanical devices used to connect train cars—to become stuck or inoperable. This can hinder the ability to properly connect or disconnect train cars, potentially delaying operations and increasing safety risks.

Frozen couplings may also require additional time and effort to address, disrupting schedules and leading to complications in the logistics of train movements. Ensuring that couplings are adequately maintained and protected against freezing temperatures is essential for safe train operation during colder months. Other issues related to cold weather, like malfunctioning signals, stalled engines, or faulty air brakes, while they can be concerns, are not directly attributable to the coupling process in the same way that frozen couplings can be.