Drivers Urged to Remove Items from Cars as Temperatures Hit 30C
Drivers Told to Clear Cars as UK Temperatures Soar to 30C

Drivers are being urged to remove certain items from their cars as temperatures are set to soar to 30C over the next few days. Vehicles left closed can heat up rapidly, exposing anything inside to potentially damaging conditions.

Weather Forecast

According to the latest Met Office UK forecast, temperatures are expected to rise steadily, with parts of southern England approaching 30C by Friday. Heatwave criteria are likely to be met in some areas of the south and southeast by Saturday, and more broadly on Sunday, with the mercury potentially climbing into the low 30s.

The forecast states: "Headline maximum temperatures for the period are: 32C on Friday in East Anglia, 28C on Saturday, 32C in the south and southeast on Sunday, and the potential for 33C on Monday."

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Items to Remove

Everyday items commonly left in cars include medicines, aerosols, fizzy drinks, mobile phones, and battery-powered devices. These can deteriorate when exposed to high temperatures for prolonged periods.

  • Medication: Most medicines require storage below 25C. Heat can cause them to lose effectiveness or become dangerous. EpiPens, for example, may misfire if exposed to heat.
  • Aerosols: Deodorants, hairspray, and other spray products can build pressure rapidly in high temperatures.
  • Gadgets: Mobile phones and power banks with lithium-ion batteries pose a fire risk if batteries malfunction in extreme heat.
  • Vape kits and e-liquids: Heat can adversely affect both batteries and liquids.
  • Fizzy drinks: Heat may cause contents to expand, leading to bursting cans or bottles.
  • Suncream: Prolonged exposure to heat can alter its composition and reduce protection.
  • Perishable food: A hot car can rapidly bring food to unsafe temperatures.

Health Alerts

A Yellow Heat-Health Alert has been issued by the UK Health Security Agency for the East Midlands, East of England, London, and southeast from Wednesday, June 17, until Monday, June 22. Official guidance warns that babies, children, elderly people, and pets should never be left alone in cars.

Motor retail group Dick Lovett advises carrying medications in a small insulated pouch and never leaving them in a parked car.

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