The AA has warned drivers that gritting lorries will be out on UK roads this week due to an extreme heatwave, with temperatures forecast to reach 40°C in more than 50 areas. Usually deployed during winter to combat snow and ice, gritters will be used to protect tarmac from melting or breaking up under the scorching conditions.
Why Gritters Are Needed in Summer
Edmund King, AA president, explained: “The main risk for drivers is not that the road suddenly ‘melts’ everywhere, but that patches can become tacky or uneven. That can affect braking, steering and grip, especially for motorcyclists and cyclists, and can also throw up loose material.” He advised drivers to slow down, avoid harsh braking or steering, and leave extra space from the vehicle in front when encountering softened or damaged surfaces.
Heatwave Forecast and Warnings
The Met Office has issued a rare red weather warning for the UK, affecting 50 areas including London, Birmingham, and parts of the Midlands, starting at 9am on Wednesday. An amber warning for extreme temperatures is also in place for Wednesday and Thursday. The Met Office forecast states: “Temperatures will quickly rise on Monday and are forecast to reach 34°C in southern parts of England. The heat will build further into Tuesday, with highs of 37°C forecast for southern England and 35°C in southeast Wales. The peak of the heatwave is now forecast for Wednesday and Thursday, when temperatures are expected to climb to at least 39°C and there remains a chance of this being exceeded in places.”
Vehicle Safety Tips
The AA also warned that heat can put extra strain on vehicles, with under-inflated, damaged, or old tires particularly likely to fail in hotter conditions. Mr King advised: “Before a long journey, check tyre pressures, tread and sidewalls, and carry water in case you are delayed. In these temperatures the advice remains never to leave passengers or animals unattended in parked cars even for short periods when the interior of the car can soon get as hot as an oven.”
