UK drivers are being urged to add one item to their vehicle by Saturday as temperatures are forecast to soar across the country this weekend. The Met Office predicts that temperatures could reach up to 30C in the coming days, with some areas of the UK experiencing 32C and 34C by Monday and Tuesday next week.
Heat Health Alert Issued
Certain locations in the south and southeast of England are under an amber heat health alert until 8pm on June 23. The government warns that there is likely to be a significant impact on health and social care services, including a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions during the hot weather.
The warning states: "Significant impacts are likely across health and social care services due to the high temperatures, including: a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions. There may also be impacts on younger age groups, likely increased demand on all health and social care services and internal temperatures in care settings may exceed the recommended threshold for clinical risk assessment."
The warning added that the heat may also affect the ability of the workforce, see indoor environments overheat and cause issues managing medicines.
What Item Should UK Drivers Add to Their Vehicles?
Official guidance for warm weather warns that compact, confined spaces, such as stationary vehicles, can heat up rapidly. It also advises that infants, youngsters, older people, and animals should never be left alone in vehicles or other enclosed spaces.
To combat the heat, drivers should ensure that they carry water and soft drinks with them for every trip as staying hydrated is important. The RAC said: "Keep a spare bottle of water and one or two soft drinks in your car at all times. Dehydration can impact your concentration and awareness levels, presenting a danger to drivers in hot weather conditions."
Dehydration, according to the NHS, means your body loses more fluids than you take in. If it's not treated, it can get worse and become a serious problem.
Symptoms of Dehydration
- Feeling thirsty
- Headache and feeling light-headed
- Dark yellow, strong-smelling pee
- Peeing less often than usual
- Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
- Feeling tired
- A dry mouth, lips and tongue
- Sunken eyes
You need to ensure you're drinking enough throughout the day. In the Eatwell Guide, the government recommends people aim to drink 6 to 8 cups or glasses of fluid a day.
How to Keep Your Car Cool During a Heatwave
The RAC also shares that you can try other things to keep your car cooler, and to keep safe in the sunshine:
- Park in the shade so the sun is not beating down on your car the whole time you park it up.
- Cover the seats with a blanket so you don't get a nasty surprise when you get back in the car, and you can simply remove the blanket, and then get in and drive without burning your bum.
- Use your car's air conditioning system to its full potential. Make sure that you've read the user manual so you can utilise it.
