Drivers urged to prepare as heatwave conditions forecast for parts of UK this weekend

• Drivers urged to plan ahead as temperatures rise this weekend

• Pack water, check tyres and coolant, and avoid the hottest part of the day where possible

• Older vehicles may be more susceptible to breakdowns in hot weather

• “A few simple checks before setting off can make a big difference if you get caught in traffic or break down in the heat.” – AA expert patrol

The AA is urging drivers to be prepared before travelling this weekend, with heatwave conditions forecast for parts of the UK.

The Met Office says temperatures are expected to reach the high 20s Celsius quite widely over the coming days, with the potential for 32°C in the south of England on Sunday and possibly 33°C in southern and southeastern England on Monday.

A Yellow Heat-Health Alert is in place for the East Midlands, East of England, London and the southeast of England until Monday.

Heatwave driving advice for the weekend

With many people likely to be out and about over the weekend, including day trips, family visits and leisure journeys, the AA is warning that hot weather can put added strain on vehicles, passengers and pets, particularly if drivers are caught in congestion or break down somewhere with little shade.

The AA advises drivers to plan regular breaks where possible, especially if they are travelling with children, older or vulnerable passengers, or pets. Motorists should also avoid setting off if they are already tired, as hot weather, heavy traffic and glare from strong sunshine can make driving more demanding.

Drivers heading out over the weekend should try to avoid the hottest part of the day, particularly if driving an older car. If possible, set off earlier in the morning and allow extra time for breaks. The AA also recommends carrying enough water for everyone in the vehicle, ideally at least one litre per person, as well as extra water and a bowl for pets.

What to do if your car breaks down in hot weather

Hot weather can make a roadside breakdown more uncomfortable and potentially riskier, particularly on faster roads or in areas with little shade. If their vehicle develops a fault, drivers should stop somewhere safe, if possible, keep well away from moving traffic and avoid waiting inside the vehicle on the hard shoulder or roadside.

Hot cars and vehicle checks

Hot weather can also quickly make parked vehicles dangerous. On a sunny 27°C day, the inside of a car can reach around 60°C, so drivers should never leave children, vulnerable passengers or pets unattended inside a parked vehicle, even for a short time.

Vehicles can suffer in the heat too. Damaged or incorrectly inflated tyres are more vulnerable in higher temperatures, increasing the risk of a blowout. Drivers should check tyre condition and pressures before setting off, ideally when tyres are cold.

Car maintenance checks before driving in hot weather

Cooling systems can also come under more strain in hot weather, making it important to check coolant levels regularly to avoid overheating – never remove the coolant cap when the engine is hot.

Older cars, especially those without air conditioning or recent servicing, may be more vulnerable during periods of extreme heat. Overheated engines are one of the most likely causes of roadside breakdowns in very hot weather, and radiator cooling fans are more likely to seize on older vehicles.

Lee Morley, AA expert patrol, said: “This weekend’s heatwave forecast is a reminder that drivers should prepare themselves and their cars before setting off, even for familiar or shorter journeys. Hot weather can be tough on vehicles and uncomfortable for passengers, especially if people are spending longer in traffic, travelling with children or pets, or parking up in direct sunshine.

“Anyone heading out should consider avoiding the hottest part of the day and setting off earlier in the morning, when air temperatures and road surfaces are cooler. Before leaving, take a few minutes to check your tyres, coolant and oil, and make sure you have enough fuel or charge to keep your air conditioning running if traffic is heavy.

“Carry plenty of water, ideally at least one litre per person travelling, and pack as though you could be delayed. Snacks, sun cream, medication, a first aid kit, mobile phone chargers, the AA app and what3words can all make a real difference if you break down or get caught in long queues.

“A parked car can become dangerously hot in minutes, so never leave children, older or vulnerable passengers, or pets inside a vehicle, even briefly. If you do break down, stop somewhere safe, if possible, keep well away from moving traffic and wait in the shade, in a safe place, while help is on the way.”

Driving safely in strong sunshine and high temperatures

The AA is also advising drivers to take care with glare from strong sunshine. Keeping the windscreen clean, topping up screenwash, replacing worn or damaged wipers and keeping a clean pair of sunglasses in the car can all help improve visibility.

Drivers can use the AA Route Planner before setting off to check their route, avoid delays where possible and plan stops. In heavy traffic, motorists should stay calm, keep a safe distance, remove distractions and allow extra time for their journey.

More summer driving advice is available on the AA website.

AA hot weather driving checklist

• Check tyre condition and pressures before setting off.
• Check coolant and oil levels.
• Carry at least one litre of water per person.
• Pack extra water and a bowl for pets.
• Avoid travelling in the hottest part of the day where possible.
• Plan breaks where needed, especially when travelling with children, older or vulnerable passengers, or pets.
• Keep phone chargers, medication and a first aid kit in the car.
• Never leave children, vulnerable passengers or pets in a parked car.
• Keep the windscreen clean, top up screenwash and carry sunglasses.
• Use the AA Route Planner to check for delays and plan stops.

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