Drivers are being urged to remove bottles of sun cream from their cars before Sunday, as temperatures are forecast to reach up to 24°C in parts of the UK. Despite a cool and rainy start to June, warmer and drier weather is expected this weekend.
Weekend Weather Forecast
Temperatures are set to gradually rise from Saturday, with southern parts of the UK expected to see the best conditions. Sunday looks largely fine and dry across much of the country, with parts of southern England potentially reaching highs of 24°C. Scotland and Northern Ireland are expected to see temperatures around 20°C.
In its forecast, the Met Office stated: "A spell of warmer and more settled weather is expected to develop across the UK into the weekend, with temperatures likely to reach mid-20s Celsius in some areas. This follows a cool and unsettled week, with showery conditions currently dominating much of the country."
Why Sun Cream Should Not Be Left in Hot Cars
With temperatures rising, it is good practice to keep sun cream on hand, but drivers should ensure bottles are removed from cars after journeys. The heat can lower the level of protection by degrading the active ingredients that protect against harmful UV rays.
High temperatures can cause sun cream to separate and turn watery, making it difficult to apply evenly and reducing its effectiveness. Motorist Thailand explains: "Leaving sunscreen in a hot car, especially during summer, can cause changes in its composition. Most sunscreens are designed to remain stable at normal temperatures, but prolonged exposure to heat can break down active ingredients like avobenzone, oxybenzone, or zinc oxide, which may lose effectiveness. Heat can also change the texture, causing sunscreen to become watery, clumpy, or separated, and shorten its shelf life."
Tips for Storing Sun Cream
Car retailer Dick Lovett advises that if you keep an emergency cosmetics bag in your car containing sun cream, you should rotate the products regularly and avoid leaving them in the car for long periods. They note: "Makeup and skincare items often contain active ingredients or oils that can separate and degrade in high temperatures. SPF can lose its effectiveness when exposed to high temperatures, leaving you at high risk of burning. Retinol-based skincare can also become unstable, leading to skin irritation or it simply not working."
