Drivers are being urged to remove certain everyday items from their cars before Friday as temperatures are forecast to reach 30°C. The real danger lies in what these items can quietly do in the heat.
Why Remove Items from Cars?
Households are advised to remove everyday items from parked cars as the weather is forecast to reach 30°C over the coming days. Closed vehicles can heat up dangerously fast, and anything left inside will be subject to severe conditions. According to the latest Met Office UK forecast, temperatures are expected to climb steadily, with southern parts of England approaching 30°C by Friday, depending on cloud cover, and becoming very warm more widely through the weekend. Some areas in the south and southeast of England are likely to see heatwave criteria met by Saturday and more widely on Sunday, with the potential for temperatures to reach the low 30s in the warmest locations.
The Met Office states: "Headline maximum temperatures for the period are: 32°C on Friday in East Anglia, 28°C on Saturday as the warmest air temporarily shifts away from the UK, 32°C in the south and southeast of England on Sunday and the potential for 33°C in the same areas on Monday as warm conditions build again from the south."
Common Items to Remove
Common items that many people tend to leave in door pockets, the boot, and glove compartments include medications, aerosols, carbonated drinks, mobile phones, and battery-operated devices. Various items will lose their effectiveness when kept at high temperatures, with medication being a prime example.
Official advice for hot weather indicates that small, enclosed spaces, such as parked cars, can warm up quickly. It also cautions that babies, children, elderly people, and pets should never be left unattended in cars or other enclosed areas.
Health Alerts and Warnings
A Yellow Heat-Health Alert has been issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), which means temperatures could lead to impacts on the health and well-being of some people. This covers the East Midlands, East of England, London and the southeast of England from Wednesday, June 17, and remains in place until Monday, June 22. Heat-health alerts are usually issued in the UK from June to September, when high temperatures could impact public health.
The automotive retail group Dick Lovett has created a checklist for households to follow in order to remove items before a heatwave.
Why Is It Important to Take Medication Out of a Hot Car?
Understanding the effects of heat on medication is crucial for your health. If they get too hot, they might not work properly, which can be really dangerous. Always keep them in a cool place to ensure they stay effective, most need to be stored below 25°C, or in a fridge.
A statement on the motoring group's website reads: "If they aren't stored at the right temperature, medicine can lose its effectiveness, break down chemically, and even become dangerous. EpiPens, for example, can misfire or fail to deliver a full dose if exposed to heat. As such, always carry your medications with you, ideally in a small insulated pouch, and never leave them in a parked car."
What Should You Not Leave in Your Car During Hot Weather?
- Aerosols like deodorants, hairspray, and other spray products should be avoided because pressure can build up in high temperatures.
- Devices such as phones and power banks that use lithium-ion batteries are risky in high heat, as they can damage the batteries and raise the chance of fire if a battery malfunctions.
- Vape kits and e-liquids need to be kept away from heat and direct sunlight since rechargeable batteries and liquids can be affected by high temperatures.
- Fizzy drinks can be problematic because heat can cause the contents to expand, leading to cans or bottles bursting or spraying when opened.
- Suncream is also sensitive to heat; prolonged exposure can alter its formula and result in leaks, which means people might not get the protection they need.
- When food shopping, especially for chilled or perishable items, it's important to remember that hot cars can quickly raise food to unsafe temperatures.
